This was the second public hearing opportunity, said Lowndes County Chairman Bill Slaughter, after the first one was 8:30 AM the same day. The third and last one will be on September 26.

He added, “And then we will adopt the millage, setting the rate, on September 26, as well.”

The only Lowndes County Commission meeting scheduled for September 26 is that Millage Rate Public Hearing. Does this mean they will vote in that meeting?

Collage @ LCC Millage 19 September 2024

In this September 19 meeting, Finance Director Stephanie Black explained the millage, including state requirements for announcements of tax increases or rollbacks. She included the usual reminder that two Authorites get their own millage: Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority (VLPRA) and Lowndes County Development Authority (VLDA). FYI, the county Tax Digest is $5.1 billion.

One citizen stood up in the Public Hearing. Alan Watson spoke against. Unlike their usual custom, the Chairman actually responded to him several times, although without answering his questions.

None of the Commissioners had anything further to say, so they adjourned.

As usual, the presentation is not on the county’s Finance Department web page.

Below are LAKE videos of each agenda item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman (actually none this time), followed by a LAKE video playlist. The presentation is in two bits because the battery ran down on the usual video camera, and Gretchen completed videoing with her iphone.

Yes, we know the sound level is low. It’s 100% better than the county’s own video of this meeting, since they did not make one.

• 1. Call to Order 2. Presentation and Public Hearing
  

  Video.

• 2. Presentation and Public Hearing (Continued)
  

  Video.

• 2. Public Hearing – Alan Watson
  

  Video.

• 3. Meeting Adjournment
  

  Video.

Here is a LAKE video playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshUv86fYkiEVS1Z4aVuAhv-nN_l4ZVkP&si=QdgDiy_El8BDKelH

Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange (LAKE).

-jsq

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