Long County says audit complete and finances improved after $1.436M insurance payment; resident questions raises

County Manager Chuck Scragg told the Long County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 21 that the county’s 2024 audit has been completed, submitted to state agencies and posted online, and that the county expects restored eligibility for grant programs.

Scragg said a larger-than-expected insurance payment of $1.436 million allowed the county to bring outstanding accounts payable current and cover payroll through the end of the year; the jail bond payment has also been made and reassessment notices are scheduled to be mailed Monday. Scragg commended staff for their efforts in stabilizing administration and finances.

During the meeting’s public-comment period a resident asked why certain county employees, specifically in the tax office, received raises when employees had previously been told salaries would be frozen for the year and Christmas bonuses eliminated. Scragg responded that raises were granted only where needed to address high attrition—primarily in public safety and the road department—and that constitutional officers manage their own budgets, meaning any salary increases they approve must be offset within their existing funds. He reiterated that Christmas bonuses are not being reinstated.

Scragg also noted early voting is underway and that the board is considering a proposed FLOST (a one-cent sales tax) measure that would shift part of the property tax burden to a sales tax dedicated to property-tax rollbacks. The work session did not include formal action on the FLOST measure; related hearings and any rate decisions would take place in subsequent public meetings.