BOC Chairman Gives State of the County Address

Barrow County is facing a $1 million budget deficit, a deficit Board of Commissioners Chairman Daniel Yearwood says can’t be ignored.

Yearwood spoke Tuesday during the 2011 State of the County luncheon, offering a glimpse of where the county is and where it is going.

“One year ago, as I stood here delivering my first state of the county address, I spoke about streamlining departments, tightening payrolls and reducing budgetary allowances,” Yearwood said. “This year, as much as last year, the same difficult and sometimes unpopular fiscal decisions will have to be made.”

The county's elected leader said he’s prepared to make those decisions.

“We have to continue to limit our county’s wants, as attractive as they may be, in order to leave our available funds for things the county desperately needs,” he said.

Despite significant decreases in tax revenue and the current economic climate across the country, Yearwood expressed some optimism.

“Tax revenues will increase and unprecedented growth will again propel this county to among the fastest growing counties in the country,” he said, “however, we cannot expect recovery to happen overnight. Until that time, we must take a proactive approach, while being as fiscally sound as possible.”

During his address, Yearwood gave an outline of achievements in 2010, projects planned for 2011, fiscal conditions of the county departments and potential future projects:

Taxes

Property taxes, the county’s largest source of revenue, saw a total tax collection at 90 percent, up just 1 percent from the previous year. The Board of Commissioners raised the mileage rate 1 mill ($1.4 million) to fund the 2011 budget of $31.47 million.

“Despite taxes being raised 1 mill, it was intended to be revenue neutral considering the falling real estate prices,” Yearwood said. “Unfortunately, some of our citizens did experience a tax increase. The tax adjustments were all done with the importance of public safety in mind.”

Emergency services

The county opened a sixth fire station on Pleasant Hill Church Road and a state-of-the-art 911 facility using SPLOST money. Barrow County Emergency Services received 192,920 total emergency calls last year, with 62,745 dispatched. The 2011 emergency services budget is $5,169,497 for 103 full-time employees.

Law enforcement and detention center

The houses more than 320 beds and operates on a budget of $5,574,132. Combined, the sheriff’s office and detention center have a staff of 196 full time employees, with the sheriff’s office operating on a budget of $6,242,998.

Parks and recreation

Using SPLOST money, the county’s parks and recreation department focused on resurfacing a number of playing surfaces, including several tennis courts and soccer fields. A total of 1,375 youth and 1,038 adults participated in recreation sports programs. If funding allow, a number of projects will be considered in 2011.

Animal control

In its new, 13,000-square-foot facility, impounded 2,860 animals, adopted out 201 pets and placed 684 with rescue organizations. The department’s revenue from fines and fees exceeded $79,000.

Licenses and permits

The license and permits department saw a decrease in 2010 in single family home permits for the third consecutive year. In 2008, 213 permits were issued, compared to 50 in 2009 and 46 in 2010. The estimated value of square footage among newly constructed homes dropped from $17.49 million in 2008, to $4.04 million 2009 and to $3.6 million in 2010.

Purchasing

The county’s purchasing department consists of two purchasing agents. In 2010, the department focused on emergency services  and animal control, roads and sewer projects, as well as daily material and service requirements. The department handled 4,327 purchase orders and 22 requests for bids or proposals. In 2011, the department will focus on the renovation and restoration of the historic courthouse and adjacent annex facilities, construction of the fire training center and public works projects.

Water department

The county water department plays a vital role in the plan for economic growth of the county through retail and wholesale water sales, Yearwood said. There are currently two 300,000 gallon tanks for retail customers and one 5,000,000 gallon reservoir for wholesale customers. The county has the ability to link the two systems in the event emergency backup is needed. The county provided water to 5,099 customers as of January and anticipates an increase of 10 to 25 customers per year over the next three years. Barrow supplies water through the Bear Creek Reservoir to Braselton, Auburn, Winder and Statham. In regard to wastewater, the county has been focused on sewer projects to make flow more efficient and cost effective. Projects on the agenda for 2011 include pump stations and pipelines and extending sewer service to Auburn and Bethlehem. 

Roads

Projects on tap for 2011 and 2012 include a contract for intersection improvements at Ga. Highway 81 and Hoyt King Road, at Ga. Highway 8 and Ed Hogan Road at the Bankhead Highway railroad crossing, a review of bridges in need of repair and traffic studies at various locations for roadway improvements.