Barrow Commission Chair opposes tax hike

WINDER - Barrow County's commission chairman said he knows his county desperately needs additional revenue, but he is opposed to boosting the tax rate to get that extra money.

Danny Yearwood said he disagrees with a county budget committee that is proposing tax increases to close a budget gap.

"I don't believe that anybody should be asking for more money in this time right now," said Yearwood. "I'm not supporting that."

Yearwood acknowledged that revenues continue to drop for the county and he said there has been a budget shortfall in each of the years he has served the commission. Still, he said, spending cuts are a better answer than tax increases.

Among the committee recommendations are an increase in the Barrow County ad valorem tax rate by 24-percent and a 2.47 increase in the millage rate.

The full Barrow County Commission will get the budget committee's recommendations Tuesday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m. Then, the public will have a chance to speak at three budget hearings. A final budget must be in place when the new fiscal year begins October 1.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/8/240843