Residents, county leaders voice concern about Long County budget, tax increase

LUDOWICI, Ga. (WTOC) - Residents in Long County say they are tired of taxes increases, despite a one million dollar gap in the current budget. Residents and county department leaders shared their concerns during Tuesday’s third and final public tax hearing.

New County Manager Shane Richardson shared 2026 budget numbers during Tuesday’s public hearing and commission meeting. Richardson said county commissioners have tentatively adopted the 2025 millage rate of 18.707 mills. This is considered a 20.72% property tax increase under Georgia law. Even with this tax increase, Richardson says there is still a budget shortfall. He also proposed cuts to department positions:

• Road Department: (8 fulltime positions cut to 5)
• Recreation Department (3 fulltime positions cut to 2)
• Elections Department (2 fulltime positions cut to 1)
• Sanitation Department (2 fulltime positions cut to 1)
• Animal Control (3 fulltime positions cut to 2)

Other budget controls for 2026 include:

• No overtime
• No part time
• Limit vehicle usage
• Limit new purchase orders
• Limit county credit cards to one per department

Both taxpayers and county department leaders spoke out against the proposed budget changes.

During the meeting, the Long County Commission did vote to approve an inter-governmental agreement with the Long County Development Authority to meet payroll for the next 30 days.

The county manager says tax bills should go out February 4th, and Long County should generate $3.5 million in revenue.

The budget challenges come after the 2025 GBI raid and arrests of former Long County Chairman Robert Parker and businessman Tony Fowler. Warrants claimed Parker spent thousands of dollars in county funds on shotguns, personal clothing and shoes.

Documents also show he used county equipment on his personal property.