FOX 5’s I-Team Reporter Randy Travis reports on the Douglas County Board of Education’s contract with Sherrod And Bernard’s contracts and fee.

According to the report, the school board paid the law firm 10 times the going rates for issuing a general obligation bond.

View the story here: http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/subindex/news/iteam

In My Opinion: by James Bell

They call it a “Retreat”. That’s where public officials run off to some distant location far removed from the citizens and media. Or more appropriately, Webster defines ‘retreat’ as “an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable”.

This week the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, department heads and staff headed out to Pine Mountain, Georgia to determine the budget for 2010.

According to the Carl Vinson Institute of Georgia a retreat is “an opportunity for the governing body to come together in a relaxed setting away from daily pressures and distractions in order to regroup, refocus, and plan to better meet community needs. Unlike most regular meetings, a retreat allows for plenty of time to discuss issues and concerns.”

I have a suggestion for Douglas County officials, how about retreating to the $45 million courthouse and “Citizen’s Hall” built by taxpayers to serve the needs of our government. How about putting budget discussions on cable access TV where the public can view their actions.

Retreats are a waste of tax dollars. We pay for transportation, lodging, food and venue at a cost of thousands of dollars to taxpayers.

Carl Vinson Institute says retreat participants are “able to focus their attention on broader issues and concerns when they are away from the day-to-day distractions and interruptions that occur “back home.” They also are more attuned to their relationships with each other. The simple fact that participants take the time and trouble required to travel to a different site demonstrates a commitment to invest themselves in the retreat process.”

Now, doesn’t that just make you warm and fuzzy?

It’s interesting that our public officials may be more productive outside of the county.

Perhaps we should ship them all off to some remote island where productivity can prevail!

___________________________________________________

James Bell is a community activist and Founder of Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition

GreyStone Power CEO Headed Pro SPLOST/Jail PAC

From Staff Reports November 16, 2009 Douglas County Journal

Douglasville GA:  A Political Action Committee called Keep Douglas Safe was organized to push the passage of the recent $150 million Douglas County Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and $120 million Bond referendum on November 3^rd.

Campaign disclosure records from the State Ethics Commission show that GreyStone Power Company President and C.E.O Gary A. Miller and William T. “Terry” Baggett both from Douglasville, Ga. formed the political action committee to solicited cash contribution in support of the passage of the SPLOST/Bond.

The documents revealed the cash contributions came from several corporations from outside Douglas County. No contributions came from within county. Neither Miller nor Baggett contributed money to their own campaign. Included in the list are various jail construction and engineering firms and one individual from Florida.

The reported contributors includes: New South Construction ($500) – Ashford Engineers of Atlanta ($500) – Rosser International ($300) – KSGW Architects, LLC ($500) – SteelCell North America ($500) – J. Tom Chandler of Lakewood Fl. ($500).

According to the expenditure documents Landmark Communications received $1000 for services and Chapel Hill News and Views received $329.

Keep Douglas Safe Campaign surfaced when citizens received two mailings from the PAC prior to the November 3 vote and automated phone calls feathering the voice of Douglas County Sheriff Phil Miller advocating the passage of the SPLOST.

Last week Douglas County resident James Quarterman filed a law suit in the Douglas County Superior Court accusing public officials of law violations and claiming they threaten and intimidated voters to vote for the SPLOST or have their property taxes increased.

The SPLOST/Bond referendum passed by only 32 votes. The vote count was 3,918 yes votes and 3,886 no votes.

Today, Monday Nov. 16 is the deadline to make payment without interest and penalties.  As of last Friday, about 70 Percent of Douglas County property owners had paid their taxes.

Last week Douglas County Tax Commissioner Todd Cowan expressed his concerns that tax collection was down due to bad economics times.

If taxes are not paid by midnight, 1 percent interest will be added each month the balance is not paid and a 10 percent penalty for 90 days past due.

Avoid long line by paying online at:

https://www.paybill.com/DouglasCounty/

Read the lawsuit here>>>>

Douglasville GA – November 13, 2009: A lawsuit was filed Thursday in the Douglas County Superior Court by Douglasville resident James Quarterman challenging the SPLOST/Bond referendum on the November 3^rd, 2009 ballot which passed by a margin of only 32 votes. The vote count was 3,918 yes votes and 3,886 no votes.

In the petition to the court, Quarterman alleges felony violations of Georgia Codes OCGA 21-2-567 (threatening and intimidating voters) and OCGA 21-2-603 (Conspiracy to commit election fraud) and OCGA 48-8-110 (advocating and expressing an opinion of how voters should vote for SPLOST). Among the accused are Douglas County Sheriff Phil Miller and County Commissioner Tom Worthan.

The petition asks for a jury trial to have Miller and Worthan tried on felony violations of laws and removed from office and a new SPLOST election held. Quarterman is also seeking to move the case outside the county due to alleged conflicts of interest by Douglas County judges.

James Quarterman is well known to the Douglas County court system after filing several recent lawsuits on the public’s behalf. In 2008, Quarterman, who ran for commission chairman and sheriff candidate Derrick T. Broughton filed a suit challenging the results of the election that resulted in a state Inspector General’s that alleges violation of state election laws by the Douglas County Board of Elections and Elections Superintendent/Chief Register Laurie D. Fulton and a pending state Supreme Court decision is expected by January.

The petition concludes, “All of the votes counted in the SPLOST referendum are illegal because they were obtained by threat and intimidation, a violation of O.C.G.A 21-2-567. Phil Miller as Sheriff and Tom Worthan as the County Chairman threaten and intimidated the voters to get a SPLOST passed because voters had voted down two previous SPLOST attempts to build a new jail.

“The evidence will show Douglas County officials threatened and intimidated voters with higher property tax and federal court intervention if voters did not pass the referendum”, said Quarterman. “Douglas County officials stepped over the line by advocating the passage of the referendum.”

The suit also alleges city voters were disenfranchised by having to drive to 2 different voting locations to vote on both city and county ballots and that some absentee city voters never received the county SPLOST ballot.

The SPLOST/Bond question was for a one percent, six year sales tax to raise $150 million and a $120 million general obligation bond to finance the construction of a new prison along Interstate 20 and Highway 92 Fairburn Rd in downtown Douglasville.

Two previous SPLOST failed in 2006 and 2007.

Read the Sentinel Article

See Election Results HERE>>>>>

Douglas County Jail: No Requests to Move Inmates by Sheriff Miller

Tax Group Calls for Investigation

Lithia Springs GA: Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition has leaned through an open records request that Sheriff Phil Miller has never made a written request to transfer state inmates from the county jail in 2009.

An open records request was made to the legal department of the Georgia Department of Corrections (DOC) for any correspondences from Sheriff Miller or his staff to the Department of Corrections concerning transfer of state inmates from the Douglas County jail, in 2009. According to a reply from Rhoda S. McCabe, Senior Assistant Counsel, “The Department has no records responsive to this request.”

“Included in your request were the following records; to wit, 2009 correspondence from Douglas County Sheriff Phil Miller or his staff concerning the emergency transfer of state inmates from the Douglas County Jail, including correspondence with the Commissioner of Corrections; and (2) 2009 correspondence with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department concerning overcrowded conditions at the Douglas County Jail.” RSM

For the past 5 years Sheriff Miller has claimed there is an emergency situation at the jail due to overcrowding because the Department of Corrections will not pick up their inmates. There are no records from the sheriff’s office or DOC concerning an emergency situation or any request to remove the state inmates. According to GBI reports, there have been between 100-200 convicted state prisoners in the county jail on any given day.

James Bell, director of the Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition (DCTC) said the sheriff is deliberately housing state inmates to make the jail appear to be over capacity.

“We are calling for a state and federal investigation into this matter”, Bell said. “If there is an emergency at the jail there should be some documentation concerning this emergency, especially when there are claims of potential federal court intervention”, Bell continued.

Chief Deputy Stan Copeland stated that the sheriff’s office is not allowed to make written request for the transfer of state inmates.

Bell said he believes the Sheriff has used state inmates to full-up the county jail in an attempt to justify a proposed $150 million prison SPLOST/Bond on the November 3 ballot.

According to GBI reports, the sheriff changed the capacity number of the jail from 811 to 485. Bell said it appears this was an attempt to trick voters to believe the jail is over capacity.

“If there was an emergency and safety concerns (at the jail) why is there no documentation by his staff or the Department of Corrections concerning this matter”, Bell asked. “This is nothing but a hoax”.

It’s like deja vu all over again! On November 3, 2009, voters will once again vote on a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) for $150 million and a $120 million general obligation bond to build a new jail/prison.

First of all, Sheriff Miller recently wrote about housing inmates in other counties. He claims the jail was deigned for about 400 inmates. The fact is, it was “redesigned” to house 811 according to reports he submitted to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. He complains about the cost of housing a few inmates in other counties, but he fails to mention that he is being paid by the Department of Corrections to house 125-150 convicted state inmates at a profit.

Safety is always an issue in any jail or prison. Measures such as the use of video conferencing with judges can be used to reduce transportation risks. This is a common practice in a lot of Georgia counties. It saves money and increases safety.

The sheriff wrote about a mysterious judge that might order the county to build a new prison or a “Taj Mahal”, as if his proposal of spending $150 million on a massive prison facility would not be classified as a “Taj Mahal”? Carroll County built a new 600 bed prison for about $20 million. His estimated cost has risen from $87 million to $150 million in 3 years.

Douglas County Jail is not in violation of any state or federal laws. If it was, the sheriff would be held responsible for these violations. There are no judges looking at Douglas County, no cases pending, yet we have heard this scare tactic for the past 5 years.

At this point, I welcome a federal judge’s intervention. I feel confident he/she would review the court system to see if the system is broken. He would determine why we have more than 60 percent of inmates awaiting hearings and trials. He may order house arrest for non-violent offenders who qualify for release. He would look to see how many are mentally ill people are locked up because there are no health care facilities to give them appropriate care. The judge would order the state to remove their inmates and send them to other county or state facilities that have vacancies.

There are no plans, no descriptions and no studies to show a need for such a massive prison facility. The proposed size of the facility would be more suitable for a county like Fulton or Gwinnett, with populations 5-10 times that of Douglas County.

They say the proposed prison will house 1,500 inmates and can be doubles. Sheriff Miller has publicly stated that he is willing to house federal and state inmates in the Douglas County jail to generate revenue from 700 empty beds.

If the Sheriff is concerned about wasting tax dollars, then we should ask why they wasted $305,000 for a temporary housing unit for 25 inmates because of a simple leaky drain pipe that took more than 6 months to determine it needed repairing.

Remember the screaming headlines, “Mold Invades Jail”? The mold was caused because they failed to make repairs and they closed the affected dormitory and sealed off the ventilation system. They spent nearly $4,000 to have a consultant tell them to fix the leaky pipe and clean the area with detergent, bleach and a brush. It took months before anything was done. Why?

Consider this, if your closets at home are filled to capacity should you tear down your house and build a new one with larger closet? Or, would you take an inventory of what is in the closet and prioritize what goes in it? I would choose the latter.

No arrestees have been released because of overcrowding. Last year 14,000 people entered the jail and 14,000 were released under due process.

Then, there is the threat from the Douglas County Commissioners that if we vote this massive spending project down the commissioners will raise our property taxes to build a new prison. We have heard this threat for the past five years and the voters are sick of it! I’m sure the voters will remedy this threat in the 2010 election. We just don’t like being held hostage by greedy politicians.

In 2007 the board of commissioners took $10 million from our county reserve fund to buy property at I-20 and Hwy. 92 for a new jail just months before the SPLOST failed. Now they have to borrow $14 million each year just to make pay rolls and provide benefits to employees. This leaves no cash to repair damaged roads and bridges. This is an example of the irresponsible actions of this board of commissioners. Why should we trust them with $150 million?

Another issue voters must consider is what impact will raising sales tax, in a depressed economy, have on retail businesses in Douglas County? Currently, Douglas County retailers have a slight advantage over Cobb County by having a lower sales tax. Do you want to give $150 million to the government or should this money stay in our pockets and in the cash drawers of retailers? Have you driven by the mall lately to see how many empty parking spaces there are?

If this measure passes, an ad valorem tax will be levied on our property as collateral to cover a $120 million general obligation bond (loan). If revenues are not sufficient to cover the payments, our property taxes will increase to cover any shortfalls.

This is the third time in four years voters are forced to vote on this issue. It’s been rejected twice. I hope voters of Douglas County will see the need to go to the polls one more time, on November 3, and vote this tax down once again. I am voting NO!

James Bell

Lithia Springs, Ga.

Why did a leaky pipe cost taxpayers more than $305,000?

From Staff Reports: Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition

www.douglastaxes.com

Douglasville GA: On August 25, 2008, Chief Deputy Stan Copeland of the Douglas County Georgia Sheriff’s Department went before the board of commissioners seeking more than $300,000 for a temporary housing unit for 25 female inmates displaced by an alleged “mold emergency” in their jail dormitory.

Copeland said they discovered a leak in the ceiling, apparently coming from the kitchen above the dorm. He told the commissioners the concrete floor may have deteriorated and they could move the kitchen outside the jail for a cost of $1 million.

At their regular business meeting, the board of commissioners unanimously approved a temporary housing unit which was, a few months later, erected next to the jail at a cost of $305,232 for a three year lease.

On August 29, 2008, the Douglas County Sentinel newspaper reported the situation with a screaming headline, ‘Mold invades jail’.

Leaders of the Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition (DCTC), a taxpayers’ advocacy group, investigated the situation.  Douglas County Commissioner Mike Mulcare admitted to James Bell, director of DCTC, that county commissioners never inspected the jail to see what conditions actually existed before approving the $305,000 expenditure. A Sentinel reporter admitted to DCTC that he was not permitted to see the mold conditions at the jail and that he was told the room had been sealed off.

According to documents obtained by DCTC through the Georgia Open Records Act, the sheriff’s department did not attempt any clean up or repairs of the leak until after February 2009, leaving the dormitory ventilation system sealed for six months with cardboard and tape.

According to the inspection report conducted by the firm Conestoga-Rovers & Associates (CRA) on January 15, 2009, six months after the leak was detected, the inspectors observed a small leak from a drain pipe and a small puddle of standing water on the concrete floor of the dormitory.

Photos of the room show some water stains and some surface mold. This can be expected in a non-ventilated room sealed for six months with a leaky drain pipe and a puddle of water on the floor.

CRA’s recommendations, which cost taxpayers $3,600, were to repair the pipe leak, replace the sheet rock and clean the affected areas of the dormitory with mild detergent, 10% bleach solution and a scrub brush.

James Bell, director of DCTC, believes the sheriff’s staff used the leaky pipe situation to create screaming headlines to justify the need for a new $150 million jail, which voters have rejected twice since 2006 in Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendums.

“Based on our investigation, we believe the sheriff and his staff concocted this alleged emergency to bolster their claim that a new jail is needed. Rather than taking action and making simple plumbing repairs, they waited six months to do anything”, Bell said. “We believe $305,000 could have been saved if the sheriff had taken action to correct a simple leak. A leaky pipe does not justify bulldozing the jail and spending $150 million to build a new one.”

The 1,500 bed prison issue is once again on the November 3, 2009 SPLOST/Bond ballot for $150 million sales/use tax and a $120 million general obligation bond, plus interest.

The sheriff’s office has yet to show requested records indicating repairs have been made.

Sheriff Miller should give county taxpayers an explanation why it took so long to inspect the room, fix a leak and clean the affected area, assuming repairs have been made.

Douglas County Attorney to Make $1.8 Million on Jail SPLOST

From Staff Reports: Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition

www.DouglasTaxes.com

Douglasville GA: If Douglas County voters approve the November 3, 2009, Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and bond referendum for a $150 million new prison, county attorney Ken Bernard could receive $1.8 million for initiating the $120 million property bond, which will be secured by taxable properties within the county.

The Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition (DCTC) inquired about Bernard’s compensation if the 2009 jail SPLOST/Bond passes. According to replies received from the county through open records requests, his fees for the bond will be “negotiated” after the vote, if the measure passes.

Bernard’s annual contract with the county government is $243,000, plus other fees. If the board does not renew his contract, his severance pay will be the remaining fee for the year plus ½ of the yearly contact amount.

Bernard also serves as counsel for the Douglas County Board of Education.

Earlier this year, a heated debate arose among school board members and citizens over a one year, $295.000 contract for Bernard. School board member Mike Miller claimed the contract was twice the fee paid for legal counsel by comparable county school systems in Georgia.

Opponents of Bernard’s contract with the school board contend that he has not submitted itemized invoices for his services. Also, that he has a conflict of interest by acting as counsel for both the county government and the school board and because of his real estate investments.

It has been reported that Bernard received $1.2 million over and above his annual fees for initiating a school bond.

James Bell, director of DCTC, questions why taxpayers are paying such high fees for legal services.

“Legal counsel should receive fair compensation for services, but the contract Mr. Bernard has written by himself and for himself is excessive, especially considering our county’s economic conditions”, Bell said.

Lithia Springs, Ga.: The Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition (DCTC) has begun a public awareness campaign to make voters aware of the upcoming November 3 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax referendum.

Douglas County Commissioners voted 4-1 to place the referendum on the ballot for the third time in four years. The referendum is for a six year, one percent sales tax to equal $150 million and a general obligation bond (loan) for $120 million.

According to James Bell, director of DCTC, over the next four weeks the group will be distributing thousands of flyers notifying votes of the referendum and hosting “sign waving” events at busy intersection to bring attention to the vote.

“We feel there is enough opposition to this tax to defeat it once again”, Bell said. “But we need to be sure voters go to the polls and send a message that now is not the time to be raising taxes.”

According to Bell, the commissioners have failed to look at other options to control the jail population such as the removal of state inmates from the county jail, stream lining the court system to move offenders through more quickly and house arrest for non violent offenders.

During a public meeting this summer Bell explained to the commissioners that many non-violent inmates are serving more time waiting for a hearing than the judge would have given for the offence if they were able to make bond. The end result is 62 percent of inmates are awaiting trials.

Bell points out that increasing sales tax in the worst economy in our life time will further hurt retail businesses in the county and put an additional burden on the citizens who are already struggling to make ends meet.

Sign Waving: Friday Oct. 9^th 4-6pm Chapel Hill Rd & Douglas Blvd.

Volunteers needed!

Jail Facts for Sept ‘09:

Douglas County inmate Population = 732

Capacity = 811 (not 485 as reported by Sheriff)

State inmates = 134 or 18% of population

Awaiting Trial = 451 or 62%

Serving County Time = 134 or 18%

Other = 2%

AJC reported (10:44 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2009)  that the Douglas County Georgia School System has over $30.7 million in reserve funds, yet the board voted to increase property taxes and furlough teachers and staff.

Read the article: HERE>>>>

On Tuesday September 1 2009 the Douglas County Board of Commissioners vote to call a referendum on a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) for the construction of a 1500 bed prison facility in Douglas County.  This is the third time since 2006 the BOC has place this issues on the ballot. The previous SPLOSTs were defeated by the voters.

Commissioner David Lathan was the only commissioner to vote NO to the resolution.

The 6 year sales tax is expected to raise $150,000,000.00 ($150 million) with a 6 year property bond for $120,000,000.oo

The resolution below doesn’t mention the cost of the tax or bond.

Tab 6 on the agenda reads as follows:

• 6. Referendum resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Douglas County, Georgia imposing a county one percent sales and use tax as authorized by Part 1 of Article 3 of Chapter 8 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia annotated, for the purpose of providing funds to pay or be applied toward the cost of acquiring, constructing and equipping a jail and related law enforcement complex, including the reimbursement of amounts previously paid by the county to acquire land and other costs related thereto; specifying the period of time for which such tax shall be imposed, specifying the estimated cost of the capital outlay project to be funded from the proceeds of such tax; authorizing the issuance of certain general obligation bonds secured by the proceeds of such tax; specifying the principal amount of such general obligation bonds is to be issued; specifying the purpose for which such general obligation bonds is to be issued; specifying the maximum interest rate or rates of interest which such general obligation bonds may bear; specifying the principal amount to be paid in each year during the life of such general obligation bonds; requesting the board of Elections and Registration to call an election of the voters of Douglas County, Georgia to approve the imposition of such sales and use tax and the issuance of such general obligation debt; approving the form of ballot to be used in such an election; and for other purposes. (Legal)

Theses comments were made by James Bell to the Douglas County Board of Commissioners on July 7, 2009.

1. First of all, I support holding a public vote on Sunday Alcohol sales by the drink. Once and for all, we as a community can determine what we will socially tolerate. The voters will have to determine if revenue and ending county/city turf battles are worth the risk of more drunk drivers on our streets.

However, I am opposed to holding this alcohol vote in a September Special Election. The cost of a special election is over $40,000. If you table this vote today you will have an opportunity to bring the issue up later and hold the vote on the Nov. general ballot, saving over $40,000 in tax dollars. It was said yesterday in the work session that that the cost of the election can be recouped by fees. That’s only if the issue passes. If it fails, you have squandered another $40,000 of taxpayer’s money. That’s quite a gamble! Please do the right thing and table this vote and place it on the Nov. ballot.

2. SPLOST: If this board of commissioners had spent as much time seeking a solution to reducing the inmate population as it has trying to sales the idea of spending more than $150 million on a new jail we would not be addressing this issue today. We must ask… why are we still housing state inmates? Why do the court rooms above us sit empty and the lights turned off day after day when we have hundreds of inmate awaiting hearings or trials? We have inmate serving more time awaiting a court date than they would receive on the offence they are locked up for.

We hear about housing inmates in other counties at a cost but we never hear about the 100 state inmates the state pays us to house. The inmate population can be controlled. If our only goal and mission is to build a new prison we will never find a cost effective solutions.

Over the past 4 years we have heard every creative reason why we should bulldozer our investment and build a new prison. We have heard everything from toxic mold to antiquated locks, to inmates having to use the rest room in front of each other.

Raising taxes in a recession will further depress the economy. Retailers will suffer and consumers will have less cash to spend.

The voters twice have rejected this project. Two years ago Chairman Worthan was asked at a SPLOST information meeting, if the jail was such a priority why not have the jail on the ballot as a single issue. Mr. Worthan stated it’s because the jail will not pass on its own merit. We were told YMCA’s and horse and dog parks were not wish lists but a needs list.

I’ve got a solution to the jail population… the county can sue the state or demand they move state prisoners to other counties that have available jail space. Surely, the Dept. of Correction would not want to jeopardize the safety of the officers and would remove the state prisoners.

Mr. Chairman, this issue has divided our county. I respectfully ask this board to postpone another attempt to increase taxes until we can look at other less costly solutions to the issues at hand.

Thank you,

James Bell

Please be aware that your property taxes will continue to increase if you take no action and allow our elected officials to TAX US TO DEATH!

State Homeowners Tax Relief Grant ‘HRTG’ will NOT be funded this year

Be aware that earlier this year, representatives in the Georgia Legislature passed a measure that cuts the funding for the Homeowner’s Tax Relief Grant. This bill was enacted into law when it was signed by Governor Perdue this spring. When you look at your property tax bill, you will see how much this grant reduced your property tax burden.  Typically this will add an additional $200-$300 in taxes owed per homeowner.

Taxpayers Call to Action! Attend Meetings – Call Officials!

Board of Commissioners: 770-920-7357 Call Now!

SPLOST Meeting: July 28 – 10am 3rd Floor Court House – Hospital Dr.

SPLOST & Bond Referendum: For the third time in three years the Douglas County Board of Commissioners are seeking a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). Sale tax dropped 1% on July 1, 2007 when the SPLOST ended. The sales tax in Douglas County is now 6% thanks to voters rejecting two SPLOST referendums (2006/2007).

The next step in the SPLOST ballot process is for the county to meet with the cities of Douglasville, Villa Rica and Austell. Commission chairman Tom Worthan said the referendum will consist of a $130 million Jail/Prison. It is unknown at this time if the cities will ask for projects to be added to the ballot or if the county can restrict the cities from placing capitol projects on the ballot.

The intergovernmental meeting is scheduled for July 28 – 10AM in the conference room on the third floor of the court house. This meeting is open to the public and media. The tax vote will be on the November ballot according to Tom Worthan.

Some of the commissioners have expressed concerns about the tax increase. Commissioner David Latham said he was concerned about road project halting due to the SPLOST and the cost to maintain and operate the new facility. Latham voted “NO” to the resolution setting up the meetings. Freddie Ashmon and Mike Mulcare seemed to lack enthusiasm over the tax and stated they wanted to be sure they are doing what the public wants. With voters rejecting the SPLOST twice it would seem the message is clear. NO MORE TAXES!

Go to www.DouglasTaxes.com for more information.

“The art of taxation consists in so plucking the goose as to obtain the largest possible amount of feathers with the smallest possible amount of hissing” Jean Baptiste Colbert

Special Election scheduled for Sept 15th

Sunday Liquor-by-the-Drink Vote: September 15 Special Election

The BOC is calling for a September 15 special election to allow Sunday liquor sales in un-incorporated Douglas County. The special election will cost taxpayers over $42,000. DCTC spoke to the commission on July 7^th concerning the cost of the election verses waiting 50 day for the November ballot.

When questioned about the date, newly elected commissioner Kelly Robinson said “there is too much noise on the November ballot. It should be considered on its own merit”. DCTC has concerns about the actual reason the BOC is calling the vote at taxpayer’s expense.

The Worthan said the cost could be recouped by fee generated from the liquor sales. DCTC pointed out that might be true only if the referendum passes. If it fails, the BOC has wasted $45,000 in tax dollars. It’s a gamble!

For more information go to www.DouglasTaxes.com

“Prohibition is better than no liquor at all.” Will Rogers

Douglas County School Board: 770-651-2000 Call Now!

Property Tax Increase!

Public Hearings July 20, 7:30am & 7:00pm – July 27 6:30pm

The Board of Education intends to raise property millage rate for bond debt service. According to published reports the millage increase from 1.35 to 3.0 or $69 for a $100.000 home according to BOE.

Board chairman Jimmy Bartlett wanted to increase the M&O millage rate, but after much debate the board opted to only increase the bond debt millage.

We were told that if voter did not approve the last $150 million bond, the BOE will have to increase property taxes to cover spending. The bond was passed and now taxes are increasing to cover the debt payment.

WE TOLD YOU SO!

DCTC warned the public that if bonds and SPLOST taxes passed, property taxes would increase due to the additional expenses and debt service associated with these building projects.

We hope the public will learn from this experience and reject these massive spending projects in the future.

For more information go to www.DouglasTaxes.com

“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” Jim Rohn

City of Douglasville:

30.85% Property Tax Increase –

Meetings July 15^th 10am & 6pm and July 23, 5:30pm

The City of Douglasville has tentatively adopted a millage rate which will increase property taxes by 30.85 percent. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increase to be held in Douglasville City Hall, 6695 Church St. – July 15^th 2009 10am – 6pm and July 23 at 5:30pm.

For more information go to www.DouglasTaxes.com

“The fundamental class division in any society is not between rich and poor, or between farmers and city dwellers, but between tax payers and tax consumers” David Boaz

DCTC has received a tip that Douglas County Commissioner was arrested this morning for assaulting a citizen at a town hall meeting in April. A $3000 bond was set.  DCTC broke the story on on May 1st.  More on this story later as it develops.

Read the Story>>>

Tax Group Asks School Board to Postpone $295,000 Attorney Contract Vote

Douglasville, GA:  The Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition (DCTC) has asked the Douglas County Board of Education to postpone the scheduled June 15^th 7:00 PM vote for a $295,000 services contract for legal services with board attorney Ken Bernard.

In a letter dated June 12, 2008, James Bell director of DCTC called the proposed fees “excessive and extreme”. Bell asked that the school board postpone the vote scheduled next Monday night until the board can do their “homework” and determine what other counties are paying for comparable services.

“Our research indicates other counties are paying around $100,000 to $150,000 for legal services”, Bell said. “We feel $295,000 pre year for a part time attorney is excessive and grossly out of line with comparable school districts.”

According to Bell the contract was written by Mr. Bernard for Mr. Bernard and little research has been done by the school board as to what is reasonable to pay for such legal services.

Bell said “in hard economic times the school board should be looking for ways to cut expenses especially when they are considering raising our property taxes to meet their enormous budgets.”

Bell points out that the school board consumes over 70 percent of the property taxes collected in the county.

“We need a school board that that will look after the interest of taxpayers and this means providing the best service for the best price. Overpaying by one or two times the going rate for a part time lawyer accomplishes neither”, said Bell.

For more information visit www.DouglasTaxes.com

*****************************************************************

To: Chairman Jimmy Bartlett &

Douglas County Board of Education

From: James Bell

Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition

Dear Mr. Bartlett and School Board Members,

This concerns the proposed $295,000 services contract between the Douglas County School System and attorney Ken Bernard.

I respectfully request that the June 15^th vote on this matter be tabled and postponed until the board has the opportunity to research the contracts and fees of other comparable school districts.

Based on the information I have obtained from other school systems, the proposed fees are extravagant and grossly out of line with acceptable fees being paid. Other counties report fees ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 for legal services.

In a time when taxpayers are struggling to keep pace and with the threat of high property taxes and millage rates, it is incumbent upon you to prove the best service at the most reasonable price.

We find this contact proposal to be excessive and extreme. We ask that you consider a more reasonable alternative to legal council.

Thank you for your service and consideration,

James Bell

Here we go again! Douglas County Chairman Tom Worthan says he will push for more sales tax in November with a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. He is seeking $130 million. The voters have defeated 2 SPLOST in 2006-2007.

Here is the story from www.DouglasCountySentinel.com

SPLOST vote likely in November
Would fund new jail
By Winston Jones
Staff Writer
Posted: Saturday, May 23, 2009 1:09 AM EDT

Douglas County will likely ask voters this November for a special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) to build a new county jail, Commission Chairman Tom Worthan said Friday.

Worthan made his remarks at a noon meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Douglas County at Logan Roadhouse restaurant.

“We’re going to ask again for a SPLOST to build a new jail,” Worthan said early in his presentation to the club. However, he later qualified his remarks to say that the decision to seek a referendum isn’t final yet, and it will have to be decided by the entire Board of Commissioners (BOC).

Worthan said if a SPLOST vote is held, it will be limited to building a new $120-130 million correctional facility, financed by bonds over a six-year period.

“There will be no other projects,” he said. “This is not a ‘wish list’ as you had before. It’s a must-have list.”

Worthan said the inmate population Friday was 764 and that 20 inmates are being housed in other counties, at $45 per day, due to lack of space.

He also noted that the last two county grand juries have commented on the need for a new jail.

SPLOST referendums in 2006 and 2007 were rejected by voters. Worthan feels the 2006 bid was voted down because the facility was going to be built at the jail’s current downtown location on Spring Street. He noted that the county then bought 42 acres of land near the courthouse for the jail, a 911 center and a county administration building. He believes the 2007 SPLOST failed to pass because it contained so many other projects in addition to the jail.

Worthan admitted the SPLOST is going to be a “tough sale” with the economy down. However, he said construction costs would likely be lower now since steel prices are down and so many construction workers need jobs.

He also said that about 60 cents of every county sales tax dollar generated comes from out of county.

“If you go to the mall, you see that about 80 percent of the cars are not from Douglas County,” he said.

Despite maintaining that a new jail is definitely needed, Worthan showed some reservations about taking the issue to the voters for a third time.

“How do you feel about a SPLOST?” he asked club members at one point, and later, after expressing doubts about how a SPLOST would be accepted, he asked, “What do you think?”

Worthan summed it up, “We got to build a new jail. It’s the last thing I want to do, to be remembered as the guy who built that big jail.”

On other topics, the commission chairman said there’s many positive things to report in Douglas County. He said the county has not had to lay off any of its 955 employees or furlough anyone.

“We’re fortunate to have a BOC that saw this coming last year,” he said. “They took steps to curb spending and spent only 82 percent of the 2008 budget.”

Worthan said the 2009 budget was $16 million less than the 2008 budget and the county has instituted spending cuts including eliminating capital expenditures, putting a hiring freeze in place and limiting travel expense to only what is necessary for employees to maintain professional certification.

Worthan said the county is now taking bids on a $530,000 project to install traffic lights and turn lanes at the Post Road – Mason Creek Road intersection before the new Mason Creek elementary and middle schools open in August.

He also noted that work is progressing on the new 911 emergency center near the courthouse and the fire training facility on Worthan Road, near the county landfill.

By Shannon McCaffrey Story updated at 8:28 AM on Thursday, May. 7, 2009

ATLANTA – Property assessments in Georgia cannot rise until 2011 under a bill signed into law on Wednesday by Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Supporters say the new law will prevent local governments from hiking assessments during an economic downturn that has driven many property values down. But critics say it could lead counties and cities to boost millage rates instead, meaning tax bills will rise either way.

The new law applies to commercial and residential properties and becomes effective immediately. The moratorium applies to tax bills for 2009-2011. Assessments can go down during that period meaning foreclosures and the depressed real estate may still cause some property values to dip.

“We’ve got a real estate meltdown in this state that is helping to fuel an economic downturn,” the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Ed Lindsey, R-Atlanta, said. “This provides some stability.”

But Clint Mueller, legislative affairs director for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, said the new law could have “a chilling effect” on reassessing properties generally. Cash-strapped counties could forgo hiring costly outside contractors to perform reassessments if they know it will only drive their revenues down, he said. That could lead values to remain stagnant, even in cases where they should decrease.

Property taxes were a hot topic at the state Capitol during the legislative session that concluded in April. But Lindsey’s bill was one of the few measures to win approval. Georgia Republicans had pushed for a constitutional amendment that would have limited to 3 percent the amount by which residential assessments can rise every year. The bill fell short of winning the needed two-thirds majority in the House. GOP leaders are expected to try to push the measure through again next year.

Lindsey said he fully expected that, without the ability to raise revenue from rising home assessments, some counties would hike their millage rates instead.

“But it forces local governments to deal with taxpayers honestly and transparently and if they are going to raise taxes they are going to have to look taxpayers straight in the eye and say so,” he said.

http://www.jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-05-07/story/new_georgia_law_assures_that_property_assessments_wont_go_up_until_201

In an effort to provide the public with information concerning the property tax/value appeal process www.BFTaxHelp.com (Ben Franklin Tax Help) has compiled a simple to understand time line of the appeal process. This report will help you better understand how you can keep your property values uniform with your neighborhood at little or no cost.

Visit: www.BFTaxHelp.com

June 29^th Appeal Deadline (45 days)

Property owners, you should have received your notice from the Douglas County Appraisal Department last week. Notices were sent out May 15^th. If you do not agree with the value set by the county, you have 45 days (June 29^th) from the date of the notice to file an appeal.

From Douglas County Web Site:
Appraisal Department, first floor, Douglas County Courthouse, June 29, 2009
The Douglas County Board of Assessors mailed out approximately 26,500 real property and 3,200 personal property assessment notices on Friday, May 15th. The assessment notice informs property owners in Douglas County what the Board of Assessors proposes to value their real or personal property for the 2009 property tax bills which will be mailed in September. Property owners who receive an assessment notice will have 45 days from the date of the notice to file a written appeal with the Board of Assessors if they disagree with their value assessment. The deadline to appeal the assessment notice is June 29th, 2009. The Board of Assessors does not accept appeals by fax or e-mail; all appeals must be in person. The notice will provide information and a contact telephone number designed to assist property owners with the valuation and appeal process>
Of the 26,500:
approximately 17,000 will report a decrease from 2008 values
approximately 3,000 will report an increase due to new improvements, such as a new home, additions to an existing home, or other remodeling
approximately 5,000 will report new ownership, Homestead Exemption changes, Exemption approval or denials, and other property changes
approximately 300 will receive notices concerning their Conservation Use Covenant
Approximately 26,500 property owners will not receive a notice and their 2008 values will continue at the same level.

by James Bell (info@DouglasTaxes.com)

May 1, 2009 – Lithia Springs GA: Douglas County District One Commissioner Freddie Ashmon’s Thursday night town hall meeting ended abruptly after Commissioner Ashmon become enraged by a question from a citizen.

Witnesses said Ashmon became angry after Jimmy Hulsey, a 55 resident of Douglas County, asked Ashmon to explain why he has missed numerous official meetings. Hulsey read a list of dates of commission meetings, obtained through an open records request which showed Ashmon’s absences. Ashmon attempted to talk over Mr. Hulsey, who had the floor and accused Hulsey of lying and attempting to discredit him.According to Hulsey, Commissioner Ashmon left the lectern, approached him, and angrily slapped his hands knocking his notes to the floor. Ashmon then grabbed the remaining papers in Hulsey’s hands, ripped and threw the papers to the floor then kicked and stomped them.

A sheriff deputy stepped between Ashmon and Hulsey in an attempt to regain order and warned he would stop the meeting.

Hulsey then called for the commissioner to resign, Ashmon again angrily approached him. At the request of the church minister, the deputy stopped the meeting and ordered everyone to leave the building.

Witnesses said they were stunned by Commissioner Ashmon’s angry demeanor. Some described it as a “fit of rage” and that the commissioner was out of control.

One witness said county employees stood by and watched in shocked silence as Ashmon repeated accosted Mr. Hulsey. Commission Chairman Tom Worthan was also present.

Ashmon left the room for a moment then return to confronted Hulsey once again. Ashmon ask him “who paid you to do this”? Hulsey said he felt threaten and warned Ashmon to back away.

An attempt by email to reach Commissioner Ashmon for comment was not answered.

Mr. Hulsey declined comment when asked if he will seek legal action against Commissioner Ashmon.

Property values should not become a political issue. A “fair market value” is just that.

The news media is reporting that because of falling property values, government will fall short of revenue. This is simple not accurate. Regardless of the value of the property tax digest, local governments use a millage rate to calculate tax collection.

During periods of economic growth, when property values are soaring and sales tax collections are high, county officials can either lower millage rates and pass the tax savings on to taxpayers or they can leave the rate the same and spend even more of our money.

During periods of economic growth, when property values are soaring and sales tax collections are high, county officials can either lower millage rates and pass the tax savings on to taxpayers or they can leave the rate the same and spend even more of our money.

Likewise, when the economic bubble burst, the millage rate can be adjusted upwards to meet current spending levels or budgets can be cut.

The millage rate has become political hot potato. Politicians love to brag that they have lowered our tax rate by an infinitesimal amount such as 0.03 mills. But, what they fail to tell us is that they have increased spending and you will not see any real reduction in taxes.

During these growth periods, government should look for ways to cut wasteful spending and build a reasonable fund balance for future needs. Instead public officials, drunk from the infusion of additional cash, spend it all and tell use they need even more.

Now they tell us that they have tightened their belts and cut out “unnecessary spending”. Perhaps we should make a list of these spending cuts and pin it up on the courthouse walls to remind us what was “unnecessary”. It will be helpful reminder when revenues increase again.

It was only months ago that county officials where telling us they expect a 2 percent to 7 percent growth moving forward. While making 20 year “master plans” they failed to see or ignored the pending economic collapse. They could not envision a 20 percent fall in revenues.

Spending is a political issue. Over the past few years our county government and the board of education has hired hundreds of new employees in anticipation of growth that never accrued.

I am convinced, government does not have a revenue problem- it has a spending problem.

From:  www.DouglasCountySentinel.com

By Winston Jones
Staff Writer

Posted: Thursday, April 23, 2009 1:09 AM EDT

Nearly 10 percent of Douglas County property owners have filed challenges to their current property value assessments, according to Benny Waldrop, chief appraiser.

“We had about 5,300 property tax returns filed by the April 1 deadline,” Waldrop said. “We have around 53,500 parcels, so this is nearly a tenth of all owners. We typically have only 500-700 returns filed each year.”Record numbers of property owners statewide filed the forms this year because the housing crisis and large number of foreclosures have driven home prices down. Owners are claiming their property values have likewise fallen and their property taxes should be reduced accordingly.

If enough owners are successful in lowering their property values, it could force the county to raise property taxes next year.

“We’ll review each property tax return and an appraiser will go out and look at the property where changes have been made,” Waldrop told the Sentinel.

He said the returns will then be reviewed by the Board of Assessors and assessment notices will be sent out by May 15.

“When you get a notice, you have 45 days to appeal,” he said. “It then goes for another review by the Board of Assessors.”

If the property owner is still not satisfied after the second review, he or she can take the appeal to the Board of Equalization, whose members are appointed by the county grand jury.

Either the property owner or the county can appeal the equalization board’s ruling to the Superior Court system.

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Sammie Sam Adams Alliance

Atlanta Ga. – April 7, 2009: The Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition is pleased to announce that director James Bell, 49, has won the “Tea Party Award” to be presented in Chicago on April 18 at the Sam Adams Alliance 2nd Annual Sammies Awards. www.samadamsalliance.org

Bell, who is celebrating his 20th year as a citizen activist was recognized for his efforts in helping to defeat 2 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendums in Douglas County Georgia, saving taxpayers more than $200 millions.“I am proud to be recognized for my efforts in leading a fight against higher taxation. My efforts have been made possible with the support of many others who have selflessly stepped forward to offer their time and talents to a worthy cause”, Bell proclaimed.

Tea Party Award: Recognizes organizers of grassroots events that make a strong political point – that initiates a public discussion – that earns media attention – on an important state or local issue. Something like the Boston Tea Party: $5,000 cash prize!

The Sam Adams Alliance will be honoring and presenting a total of $40,000 in cash prizes to the winners at a red carpet ceremony the evening of April 18 at the Marriott Renaissance North Shore in Northbrook, Illinois. Winners are being flown to Chicago from all over the country, so they can receive their recognition in an appropriate manner.

“The Sam Adams Alliance believes the winners should receive their awards from distinguished individuals whose own work merits presenting such high honors,” said Paul Miller, Sam Adams Alliance Communications Director. “We are proud to have so many champions of individual liberty and economic freedom presenting Golden Sammies to the winners.”

Guest presenters include best-selling author Michelle Malkin, Stephen Moore and John Fund of the Wall Street Journal, Fox News contributors Jonathan Hoenig and Mary Katharine Ham.

Learn more about DCTC by visiting the website www.DouglasTaxes.com

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