Long County rolls back millage rate, extends bidding for historic courthouse repairs

LONG COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Long County taxpayers will see some relief on their next property tax bill after county commissioners voted to roll back the millage rate.

During their Sept. 1 meeting, the Board of Commissioners agreed to set the millage rate at 17.802, down from last year’s rate of 18.707.

County leaders say the rollback was made possible by the voter-approved Fractional Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST). The sales tax brought in approximately $650,000 this year, giving taxpayers immediate relief. Next year, the county is expected to receive a full year of FLOST collections, which officials project will bring in about $1.2 million.

Courthouse Bids Extended While commissioners delivered tax relief, county officials are still searching for help to repair the historic Long County Courthouse.

The county has an active proposal out for repairs to fix water damage on the building’s first floor. However, County Manager Shane Richardson says they have not received any bidders for the project yet.

Richardson noted that the building’s historical infrastructure often makes contractors hesitant to take on the specialized work. Because of the lack of initial interest, the county has extended the bidding deadline to Oct. 6 in hopes of securing a contractor.