Decatur County Commissioners agreed to send a letter to the Governor, Legislators and the Board of Regents making their grave concerns known regarding the inescapable state budget cuts.

The decline in sales tax revenue is resulting in a FY 2010 budget shortfall of an additional $1.4 billion, for a total FY 2010 budget shortfall of $4.6 billion.  These and more cuts carry through 2011.  The FY 2012 budget deficit is projected at $1.94 billion.  (According to GBPI)

They were prompted by Ted Snell's request to write a letter concerning the cuts to the University System.  Mr Snell asked that the state look to major revenue sources rather than cuts.

Commissioner Butch Mosely suggested they voice their strong opposition to the proposed Regional Highway SPLOST plan.

In essence, a regional commission would decide how SPLOST money generated for roads would be spent within a number of southwest Georgia counties.  They will be making decisions for Decatur County highways.  He suggested that an increased gas tax would be the best way to increase state and road funding.

County Administrator Tom Patton described 3 unfunded state mandates that could cost Decatur County $1 million per year.
He stated the Forest Protection Act, passed last year to "protect forest land", was supposed to be 97% funded by the state.  The legislature says they don't have the money, which is approximately $500,000 for Decatur County.  Many point to this as a payoff to the big land owners around the state for their financial support.

Mr Patton also pointed out that the E911 charge on phone bills should be coming to all counties for their 911 centers.  Nope, the state keeps it all.  In addition, the whole burden of the state indigent defense fund is being considered to be dropped on Georgia counties.

In agreeing with Commissioner Mosely's comments, Chairman Earl Perry stated "We (the state) seem to be looking in the wrong places." (I would agree, but probably not for Commissioner Perry's reasons, Where Are Our Local Leaders? -LS)

About Trash and Animals
After Sheriff's Lt Ashley presented the Trash and Animal Report, Commissioner Mosely urged that $200 fines for littering be given whenever the opportunity by law enforcement saying "We can't keep up with what is being put out."

He also pointed out what he termed a "sad example" of what some land owners allow, after helping animal control herd cats on Old Whigham Road last week, concluding with "There's nobody that needs 40 cats."

County Roads
Commissioner Gary Phillips comments on our county roads