'Cut to the Bare Bones': Commission Chairman Discusses County Budget during Public Forum
During a public forum Monday night, the chairman of the Barrow County Board of Commissioners told those in attendance the county government had made all the budget cuts it could.
During a public forum Monday night, the chairman of the Barrow County Board of Commissioners told those in attendance the county government had made all the budget cuts it could.
“We have cut to the bare bones,” Chairman Daniel Yearwood Jr. said. “We don’t have any more to cut.”
Yearwood called on county residents to step up and inform commissioners where they were willing to give up services.
“If you want a tax increase, tell us,” Yearwood said. “(But) I don’t want to put more burden on the taxpayers.”
The chairman highlighted several projects in the works during the forum, which he opened up for questions from attendees. Among those projects was the planned bypass from Ga. Highway 316 to Ga. Highway 211, a project Yearwood said he hopes will be funded through a transportation tax that will be placed on the ballot for voters to decide on in fall of 2012.
“That will help Barrow County and the city of Winder more than anything that’s happened in the last 50 years,” Yearwood said of the bypass.
The chairman also urged residents age 62 and older to apply for an additional homestead exemption available to them. Residents must apply for the exemption every year. For more information, contact the county tax assessor’s office by calling 770-307-3108.
Didn't get to attend Monday night's public forum with the chairman? Watch video of the conversation Yearwood had with those in attendance by clicking on the first of three video clips to the right of this article.
N. Matthews
9:39 am on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Yearwood mentioned that our Sheriff's Office is overstaffed by pointing out that we have about double the officers of Jackson or Walton counties. So, he was asked if he felt we have too many Deputies on duty during a given shift? He answered "Yes, I do." Mr. Yearwood: you need to educate yourself on the statistics of the increased crime since the economy has tanked and on the volume of calls to our S.O. before you speak.
He also said he's "staying away from budget meetings so it won't be political". When asked why, because they thought it to be part of his job he said: "well, they don't need me there, I have no vote anyway".
Storming out of meetings, not being able to get along with most of your board, and not attending budget meetings is not what we want in a Commissioner. You have to be able to keep a positive rapport with even those you don't get along with, to get things done for OUR county. If you can't do that, then you can't fulfill your duties. If you think holding informational town hall style meetings like last night are going to get you re-elected you are sorely mistaken!
Deanna Allen
1:25 pm on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Thanks for commenting!
Fred Wehunt
6:48 pm on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
I would like a map showing where the proposed bypass is going so I can buy some land its going through and sell it to the DOT and get rich.
James McNamara
8:25 pm on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
There is one on the wall in the zoning office at the county admin bldg
James McNamara
8:24 pm on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Thanks for recording and posting this. I'm still listening to it and trying to determine my feelings.
Deanna Allen
1:19 pm on Wednesday, July 20, 2011
You're welcome! Let us know what you think once you've watched all three clips.