Long County residents press commissioners over proposed 2024 millage increase, call for audits and development moratorium

Public hearings in Long County on Aug. 30 drew repeated objections from residents to a proposed increase in the county's 2024 property tax millage rate and raised broader concerns about development, school overcrowding and county finances.

Residents speaking at the morning and evening hearings told the Long County Board of Commissioners that they opposed an increase in the proposed millage rate and questioned why the county budget requires additional funding. Several speakers referenced a letter from the Long County Board of Education asking commissioners to refrain from approving new subdivisions because of existing school overcrowding. Those public commenters also urged a moratorium on new development until capacity and impacts on schools are addressed.

Several attendees called for independent financial review. Public commenters requested a third‑party audit and specifically asked for a GBI forensic audit of county finances, and some raised the county's delay in opening the jail because of financial issues. Speakers also pointed to constraints or concerns related to Department of the Army/US Marine property and Department of Natural Resources wildlife management areas that they said affect development choices.

Commenters pressed county leaders on staffing and communications, asking the board to create or fill a County Administrator and a Deputy County Administrator post and to improve outreach, including meeting advertising and social‑media communication. Multiple residents said a lack of new businesses reduces the tax base and urged greater accountability and transparency from county officials.

Vice Chairman Gerald Blocker, who presided after Chairman Robert Parker handed him the gavel and departed the morning hearing, said the board heard many repetitive questions and noted the suggestions raised by the public before closing the morning hearing at 11:42 AM; Blocker also closed the evening hearing later that day.

The hearings did not produce a binding decision on the millage rate; the board recorded public concerns and took no immediate vote on the tax rate during the hearing. The county clerk's records show the hearings and the board's notation of comments were adopted by the board on Sept. 6, 2024.