County Commission to Hold Second Public Hearing for Budget Tonight

The Stephens County Commission is holding a work session, second public hearing for the FY18 budget and regular meeting tonight at 5:30.

On the agenda is a motion to adopt the FY 18 budget.

Earlier this month the commission had the first public hearing for the budget in which they decided to include the cost of a new bus for the senior center, which had previously been eliminated.

Commissioner Dean Scarbrough said that he felt like the bus was something they needed to provide for the seniors.

“All five of us sat here and agreed that would be a good use for part of the money that we got from the sale of the Goodwill building because it would help some of our citizens that really depend on the senior center for a lot of their socialization,” said Scarbrough. “Getting out, traveling and being around other people are some of the best things for helping our senior citizens. I just think this is an opportunity for us to get a good, dependable bus for our seniors.”

To avoid making more program cuts or having to take away from county employees, the commission proposed raising the millage rate one mill.

Other items on the agenda include a motion to enter into a fire protection services agreement with Banks County for Tates Creek Fire Department, a motion to accept the first amendment to the intergovernmental agreement for expenses for the Mountain Judicial Circuit between Habersham, Rabun and Stephens Counties and several other motions.

The meeting is in the Stephens County Court House and is open to the public.