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ROCKDALE COUNTY,GA. –County leadership is evaluating ways to shrink the operating budget for fiscal year 2023, following the Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) first two millage rate hearings on Aug. 2.
The county’s move came after dozens of residents, many of them elderly and on fixed incomes, pleaded with the board, saying that a proposed millage increase would pose a hardship as they faced rising food and gas costs, as well as challenges in paying for medications. They said they feared that a millage increase on top of soaring property values could squeeze them out of their homes. One senior citizen fought back tears as she spoke during the public hearing.
The BOC’s final millage rate public hearing is set for Tuesday, Aug. 9, 10 a.m., at the Rockdale Auditorium, 903 Main St. N.W., Conyers. County officials have moved the meeting to larger auditorium to accommodate more people for the public hearing, as well as the BOC’s called meeting on Aug. 16, at 6 p.m. at the auditorium.
“Rockdale County is taking proactive steps to reduce the cost structure, while continuing to offer services the community needs,” Mark Lewis, Executive Finance Director said. “The County will continue to monitor the economic situation and make appropriate decisions to remain consistent with the quality of service the county is known for. We are committed to cutting the budget and upholding our duty of fiscal responsibility.”
The meetings will be streamed via the Official Rockdale County Facebook Page (facebook.com/rockdalegov), the Rockdale County Website (rockdalecountyga.gov) and the Rockdale 23 YouTube channel (youtube.com/rockdale23).