Lowndes County Implements $1.7 Million Tax Hike to Fund Employee Raises and Infrastructure Improvements

Lowndes County Approves $1.7 Million Tax Increase for Essential Services

The board of supervisors in Lowndes County has taken a significant step to address the needs of its community by approving a Fiscal Year 2025 budget that includes a tax increase of $1.7 million from ad valorem taxes. This decision aims to provide pay raises for employees and improve local roads and recreational facilities.

Making Employee Raises a Priority

The approved budget allocates roughly $546,000 for employee pay raises, translating to a 75-cent per hour increase for most county workers. Following these raises, fewer than a dozen county employees will earn less than $15 an hour. By FY 2026, all employees will earn at least that amount.

Board President Trip Hairston shared hopes that these raises will support both recruitment and retention efforts, especially for roles in high-hazard jobs. “Recently, one of the jailers got the hell beat out of him by an inmate,” Hairston noted. “He makes $15.50 an hour. He could make more than that at McDonald’s.” This highlights the county’s understanding of the risks its employees face and the need to adequately compensate them for their essential work.

Investments in Recreation and Infrastructure

In addition to employee raises, the budget includes a substantial investment in recreation, with $600,000 set aside for ongoing costs associated with the newly completed sportsplex off Highway 82, west of Columbus. This sportsplex had its first phase completed at a cost of $12 million. The funds will also go toward hiring a full-time program manager to ensure the facility operates smoothly.

As Hairston put it, “As Leroy always says, if you’re going to have the baby, you’ve got to take care of it.” This allocation underscores the county’s commitment to maintaining its recreational amenities.

Road Department Boost

Another significant aspect of the budget is the increase for the road department, bolstered by an additional $500,000 compared to FY 2024. This funding is primarily earmarked for acquiring new vehicles and equipment, enhancing the county’s ability to maintain roads effectively.

Balancing the Budget

The county’s budget consists of $65.7 million in revenue against $67.8 million in expenditures. While this may seem concerning, the deficit is managed through funds already received for specific purposes, which won’t be utilized until the following year. Notably, around $2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act fits into this category.

It has been emphasized that “It’s a balanced budget.” The fiscal year commences on October 1, ensuring that the county is prepared for the months ahead.

Understanding Tax Changes

The Supervisors have set a total ad valorem tax rate of 97.03 mills, which includes 45 mills for the county—a slight decrease from FY 2024—and 52.03 mills for the Lowndes County School District, reflecting an increase. Residents can still expect higher taxes compared to the last year due to property value assessments.

The new assessments set home values up by 18%, leading residents to see an increase in taxes that may amount to around $267.53 for a home valued at $100,000 without a homestead exemption. Tax Assessor Greg Andrews has confirmed that those with homestead exemptions will see a lesser increase.

Looking Ahead

Hairston emphasized that despite the changes, the county remains focused on maintaining a stable environment while also addressing inflationary pressures. He stated, “We try to meet the demands of the public, and we do a good job.” Residents’ needs remain a priority, especially concerning essential services like the sheriff’s department, the detention center, and road maintenance.

As other counties are lagging behind in reassessments and will see tax rate changes only in future fiscal years, Lowndes County is tackling its challenges head-on, ensuring it does not fall behind in service quality. The leadership expresses a commitment and care for the community they serve.