Multiple errors in fire fee bills

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Friday, November 12. 2010

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County administrator Wayne Patterson reported Friday afternoon that fire/EMS bills arriving in the mail of Lamar County property owners contain multiple errors.

Harris, the firm that did the billing, is taking responsibility for the mistakes.

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#1 Anonymous on 11/12/10 at 01:21 PM

what the hell kind of corrections need to be made. It is a flat rate for everyone right? You folks are completely out of control in this hick ass town. Stop spending and you wont be looking for more and more and more money from the productive citizens that keep this place a float.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF GORDON COLLEGE WASNT HERE TO HELP WITH TAXES OR RATHER THE PEOPLE THAT GO TO GORDON.

#2 Anonymous on 11/12/10 at 02:08 PM

That was an interesting post... ok... anyways.. Where did this bill come from? We did not receive one last year? and, do we owe more or less than the $80???

#3 Anonymous on 11/12/10 at 02:10 PM

When did these fees start? I have been in my home for 7 years and this is the first one of these that I have received. How much are the fees should the fees be and why aren’t they in the taxes that I pay? The taxes on my home here are more then my in-laws that live in Gwinnett county and there home is valued at more then twice as much as mine.

#4 Anonymous on 11/12/10 at 02:16 PM

I called and they told me the error is if you live in the city, you do not pay the $30 fire fee due to having the city fire dept. You do have to pay the $50 medical fee. As far as Gordon, they are exempt from having to pay fees. Was told that it was because they were a state college.

#5 woodie on 11/12/10 at 02:22 PM

If you are one of the people who go to Gordon, we would probably be much better off!

#6 Anonymous on 11/12/10 at 02:50 PM

I have not seen anything about this, I don't(can not afford) the printed edition of the newspaper. Can they just up and decide to charge us these fees? Was it voted on and passed and I didn't know it? Paying my property tax is very hard for me to do, I thought these type fees were included in that? What am I paying for when I pay those taxes? I'm paying a school tax,even though I don't have children, for which NONE of my neices or nephews benefited from the public school system, because not all the teachers are good teachers.There are no jobs around here, and there doesn't seem to be anything on the horizon to give us jobs. Is this a mandatory thing we have to pay? And if we don't pay, does it mean they'll let our house burn down, or let us bleed on the side of the road? God help us!

#7 Dean Chasteen on 11/12/10 at 03:36 PM

I am a furious owner of property in Lamar County in the Industrial park. I have neither used the fire nor the emergency services in Lamar County since I bought property there in 1993. I do not live in Lamar County. I had no notification that such a fee, as I have been billed, was forthcoming. I just don't have that kind of money laying around. You have already increased my taxes from $1100/yr to nearly $4000.00; and I cannot come close to selling the property for what you have it appraised. The appeal did very little to reduce the apraisal. I am a retired person on a fixed income, and the rental on the property is so little it only covers the mortgage. I still have taxes and insurance. What does our advalorum cover if it is not for fire and emergency services? You do not furnish trash pickup nor sewer for the industrial park. I pay for county water. Please help. Tell me this bill is in error! And what can you do to me if I cannot pay it??????????????????? Is this legal?????????????

#8 Anonymous on 11/12/10 at 03:43 PM

They were gonna either up the millage rate or add an emergency fee for people. Either way the tax payers have to foot the bill. There was a meeting on this and I believe it was covered on here as well. It is a bunch of bull.

#5 I dont go to Gordon. I went years ago but not currently. The students that go to Gordon drive this economy (along with the locals) by buying things here. Food, groceries, gas, cigarettes, etc. If that campus was not here, look at the amount of business that Barnesville would lose. Not to mention all the tickets that those kids get by doing stupid stuff while here. A butt load of those students rent houses and apts here. They pay taxes on stuff at their place of living such as taxes on the light bill.
We have a ton of "extra" people spending money left and right here. What happens if all of them leave and the campus closes. I know that will probably never happen but seems to me that Barnesville is writing checks while hoping that money comes in before the checks clear in other words. They struggle for money yet blow it like its going out of style.

#9 Anonymous on 11/12/10 at 03:56 PM

To #5, No I am a homeowner and taxpayer. Unsure what you meant by your post? I also wonder, is Gordon exempt from ALL taxes?

#10 Anonymous on 11/12/10 at 04:01 PM

so this is the fee we have to pay now since they didnt raise the mill rate huh.so do i have to pay it or does my mortage co pay it since i have an escrow account? i think this sucks since it has to be paid right at christmas time when the county knows how hard things are right now anyway. so let me see, do i pay this by december 15th and not have christmas, or do i pay it and not eat for a week, or how bout i pay it and do without my meds i have to take.i know i will just pay it cause our county goverment cant control their spending and come back on us for it to bail them out. when i die cause of no meds or not being able to eat have my funeral in front of the court house so the scum bags can come outside and see their handy work.

#11 Anonymous on 11/12/10 at 04:55 PM

I have 3 parcels all connected to make 1 acre. I received 3 bills for $80 a piece. I don't even live on this land and never visit it. In fact, it would increase my value if it was to burn. I'll pay $80, even though I'll never use these services, but I refuse to pay $240 for 3 connected parcels.

#12 JMK on 11/12/10 at 04:58 PM

Let me just say that almost NO ONE can afford this! First our exemptions were taken from us, and now this? My husband and I don't make a whole lot of money. We are barley scraping by.

Folks that don't live in the city usually have LESS money to begin with! Why are WE paying MORE? Because of Gorden college?? well, the county obviously can't think of FAIR innovate ways to bring in money! Where the *#@^& did we move to?? Who are these idiots in charge to think this was a GOOD idea??? What makes me mad is we weren't warned about this and they are giving us ONE MONTH to pay it! Well, here comes another scant Christmas!

The next time the fire department comes knocking on our door for DONATIONS they can FORGET it! As if my property taxes weren't high enough, now THIS. We moved here to Lamar county 6 years ago because it was more affordable than Spalding or Henry counties. Well, the joke is on us US. We don't have kids, yet were paying over five hundred dollars alone for the school system in taxes! Then about four hundred more for everything else and it's getting harder to pay every year.

And all this to prevent our millage rates from going up? Funny how the lady I spoke to on the phone at the Co.Commissioners office couldn't tell me what the new rates WOULD have been!!! I think we have the right to know if paying this fee would be more cost effective than a tax hike would be. When I tried to call someone higher up in command, wouldn't you know they wouldn't answer the phone and the mailbox is FULL! Can't even leave a message!

If the housing market weren't so terrible right now, I would seriously consider moving OUT of Lamar county.

We are getting a ROTTON deal here, folks. ONLY PROPERTY OWNERS ARE ASKED TO PAY THIS FEE!!! That's what I was told on the phone when I called.

Excuse me, people in apartments don't use these services?? Apartments go for almost the amount my mortgage does! Why are these people exempt? Or a better question, why are property owners penalized every time we turn around?!! We are already paying for all those welfare folks and the folks living in the projects, most of whom do NOT WORK. I am REALLY starting to believe that having NOTHING AT ALL is a better DEAL! Hell, let everyone else pay my way for a change! Not that I really believe that, but...

Enough is ENOUGH!!

#13 Anonymous on 11/12/10 at 05:08 PM

I own 2 pieces of property in lamar. Never got a bill on this. Are they all out? What if we dont pay? Kickin us off for this to or what?

#14 Anonymous on 11/12/10 at 11:13 PM

No they decided this a few months back instead of adding to property taxes. We didn't get a vote on this crap and what is so friggin stupid. This bill is due Dec 15th and in April we will get a new bill for 2011. What a bunch of BS! What the heck do they think we have..a field of money trees. They need to get money that is owed back from stealing employees and get money from other areas. What is next

#15 Anonymous on 11/12/10 at 11:23 PM

They will take you to magistrate court. Guess they will be alot of us there at least appealing this junk tax. I thought the Emergency service got a government funding. I guess now that empty stocking fund will be alot lower with most of us having to pay these extra fees. Hey, someone has to do without besides us. So sad

#16 cats on 11/13/10 at 05:05 AM

Haha to add insult to injury, they don't even provide us with a return envelope.
So those of us who work out of towm can kick in an envelope to pay this bill as well.
Haha, sucks to be us right now, doesn't it?

#17 Concerned Citizen on 11/13/10 at 05:25 AM

It is bad enough that our own President is covertly bankrupting the Country and the people with taxes and out of control spending but now our own local Government in Lovely Lamar is doing the same thing with Ambulance and Fire Fees. There was no notification, no vote, no explanation, and no consideration for the current economy. It is time people take a stand.

#18 Anonymous on 11/13/10 at 06:19 AM

I REFUSE to pay it!!!!!! When a majority of people at the County Commission meeting stood up and voiced opinions against a millage rate increase. The Commissioners came up with this "fee". Still going against the will of the people.

#19 Anonymous on 11/13/10 at 06:26 AM

9,400 bills re-mailed at a cost of around .44 a piece, equals $4,136. That isn't counting the cost to reprint bills, labor and other misc costs. Only postage. Mr. Patterson, stop pissing our money away. Between you and Truby, I don't know who is the bigger dumba$$ with our money!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Both need to take a ride!

#20 Anonymous on 11/13/10 at 06:54 AM

I have always wished I could donate to the Volunteer Firefighters, but I've never been financially able, so I guess they decided to "force" us to. I agree with JMK, having no children, it bugs me to have to pay school tax. There is help out there for folks with children and no job, but there is NO help for working people, with no children, who are trying to keep up their own bills,and can NOT buy groceries,medicine and pay doctor bills(even with good health insurance.)Everyone needs help sometimes, but public assistance is for certain people.And then add fees like this,to those already having financial difficulties...It stinks,but I'm hearing it's happening already in other counties,like Gwinnett...

#21 Anonymous on 11/13/10 at 07:11 AM

Time for a HUGE picket at the court house!!

#22 anon on 11/13/10 at 07:20 AM

What the county commissioners did was go out the front door with the increase in our property tax and came in the back door with this fire and ems fee. What a bunch of crooked politicians. Do they not think we are too dumb to not to see through this. If you think about it, basically we still got our property tax increase, but it is in the form of another title and tax fee. I am sure they are laughing all the way to the bank. What is going on with the large amount of money they borrowed? Is that all gone? What about the splost money? What about the taxpayer money that was stolen by the county employee. Was that paid back? All of a sudden that story went away. Did the commissioners make a deal with the employee. Why should they worry about the stolen money, it didn't come out of their wallets. I moved here 4 years ago and I can't believe how the chairman and commissioners control this county for their own good. Anything goes here in Lamar county as long as it is approved by these county commssioners. I can't say much about the chairman , cause he is basically there to vote if there are ties. I don't have the money to pay 80.00 during the holidays. They are having a commissioners meeting this coming week and I believe we should fill the courthouse up and let them know our disgust as property taxpayers. If you can't be there, you can always make a phone call to the commissioners office. Ring it off the hook.. we do pay for their phone services. Government is supposed to be for the people and by the people.

#23 Dean Chasteen on 11/13/10 at 07:49 AM

Where are the $80.00 bills? Mine is $400.00. Is there discrimination against folks who don't live in Lamar County and just own property there?

#24 t.p. on 11/13/10 at 08:11 AM

gordon doesnt pay any taxes and most(not all) of the students are spending our tax moneney they get from financial aide. most of that money is paid right back to gordon for tuition , cafeteria, and dorms which all do not pay taxes. if im not mistaken gordon even bypasses having to pay the city for electricity and buys it straight from ga. power.the only people making money off of gordon students are those that sell neports , rolling papers, malt liquer, and the local dope dealers. so why dont you go back to clayton or dekalb or wherever you are from. you are right however about the taxes being to #$%@ high. i bet you have a job at gordon being paid with our tax dollars. vote tea party!

#25 Scalymocus on 11/13/10 at 09:02 AM

Maybe they should start checking if you have insurance before the ambulance or fire trucks arrive. I have insurance so that if I need a damn ambulance. Why should I give these knuckleheads any of may money. They need a whole new commission in Bville that can manage money.
A Bill my $%#. A Bill is for services rendered. I have not used the ambulance service nor the Fire service. They can stick their bill where the sun don't shine.

Fire EM All. Cant manage money, probably same people that ran FNB into ground.

#26 Julia H on 11/13/10 at 09:19 AM

It's time for the county to cut back on some services to those who DO NOT own property. We have bills totaling $160. for 2 properties that we "own" and this is an unfair tax. I, for one, am tired of financing the deadbeats who either don't work, won't work or whatever. Let them get out there and work hard like those of us who are property "owners" and pay their own way. Then the county will have enough $$ to pay their bills.

Maybe the county needs to remember how to balance a budget with the income they have, instead of getting more from people who are already stretched to the limit of our ability to pay!

Every property "owner" must balance the budget at home or at the business to stay there. Maybe we outta tax the government for bothering us with this kind of stuff!!!!! Why not the city, county, state and while we are at it, the national guys too!

And I don't mind signing my name to my posts!
Julia

This makes me sick.

#27 Anonymous on 11/13/10 at 09:34 AM

We have a similar situation. We have 11 acres, divided into 3 parcels- all connected, but we do live on the land. We also received 3 bills. We WILL NOT be paying $240 just because some lines aren't erased in a plat book!!!

#28 GlOkEd on 11/13/10 at 09:54 AM

Hey! Shut up and pay yo bills!!

#29 Ben Dover on 11/13/10 at 10:20 AM

Amen Julia! I don't mind paying the $80 for my house with three acres, but I have adjoining parsels of vacant land. I got $80 bills for each parsel - this SUX! Time for a revolt.

#30 anon on 11/13/10 at 10:21 AM

What I would like to know is why Lamar County Commissioners hired a firm to do this and how much did that cost? Why wasn't this handled by the employees in the tax assessor's office? Even a Dumb A** can figure out how to load a print out form in a printer from the county data base and then take them to the post office to be mailed out. 9400 bills mailed out. Mutiply that out by 80.00 and look at the pile of money they have just took in from the property tax owners. Remember this, when they run out of money next year, folks. It must be nice to spend , spend, spend and make up these God forsaken taxes to cover their runaway spending habits. We need to run everyone of these commissioners out of town on a rail. It is time to clean house in Lamar County and put politicians in place that aren't afraid to cut budget spending. How do you commissioners think the senior citizens are going to pay for this. I would think they will be using these services more than anyone else. Spread the word, if you are retired and senior citizen , DO NOT MOVE TO LAMAR COUNTY. It could be hazardous to your health and put you in the poor house.

#31 David on 11/13/10 at 10:57 AM

The sad part of this is that the money goes into the general fund not the fire/ems account. Not to mention that I live in the north end of the county. 14 miles from grove street,the only station with a fire engine that is manned 24/7 for the county. If I did have a fire Butts county would respond to my home. Just to mention, I am a career firefighter/paramedic that's works two departments to pay my bills. What's this county coming to?

#32 GW on 11/13/10 at 11:16 AM

When election time come again I'll remember how they underhandedly stuck us with this extra tax.

Then they have the audacity to charge the full amount for 2010,and it's almost gone. At best it should have been prorated, but they figured how to get more money, not considering the taxpayers. That's just plain GREED!

#33 Anonymous on 11/13/10 at 11:37 AM

I am very excited to pay my $80 - I live in the sticks, no fire hydrants anywhere out here! Great to know I can now pay for this service and they will be here with a fire truck (and water) or ambulance - quickly - when I need them...... uhm NOT!

God help them if my house burns down or a family member dies while we wait for them to get here - I will sue them for services "paid for" but not delivered plus damages. This was a dangerous AND stupid move Lamar County - you obviously sought no legal counsel before you offered services you are not equipped or staffed to handle....

#34 Anonymous on 11/13/10 at 01:00 PM

People wake up!. Its up to you to vote these idiots out of office or stiop b*tching

#35 Anonymous on 11/13/10 at 02:33 PM

Why not? Because, State of emergency to protect the house from disasters. That why?, fire and ems fee bills.

#36 Anonymous on 11/13/10 at 03:51 PM

Any county officials want to comment as to why the LCSO didnt have the money to pay their employees. Lots of people got put in a bad situation when they couldnt get money out of the bank because of county NSF issues.

#37 Anonymous on 11/13/10 at 04:18 PM

I heard if you don't pay they won't come to your house if it catches on fire. So if Gordon College doesn't have to pay, they should let the dorm burn down when one of those pot smokers sits their room on fire.
Why a medical fee? I will have to pay the ambulance a fortune anyway if they come to my house. Will they subtract my medical fee as previously paid..

#38 anon on 11/13/10 at 05:09 PM

The only way our commissioners are gonna get it is when they are out of office and just like the rest of us. I coulde deal with a sales tax increase a whole lot easier than having to come up with this crap right at Christmas. People on a fixed income who have lived here all their lives are having to pick up the slack of renters and the poor business sense of our commissioners. What i want to know is what happens when someone who rents has to go to the hospital. They damn sure aint paid their dues. I am tired of taking up their slack. I called my commissioner and like i figured he aint called me back. I want one of them to come in my yard and ask me to vote for them.

#39 Just saying on 11/13/10 at 07:51 PM

What about the vacant Fire Stations through out the county??? Will this go to open them??? Just like #26 said it already would take them forever to get to some of us, granted I chose to live here but I have no county water so no fire hydrants. Oh but I have an empty Fire Station less than a mile away.. Mr. Patterson's salary would be a nice place to look to cut right away, talk about a waste of money. Furthermore I find it very ironic these bills come out just after the election. Elected officials don't seem to get we are tired of taken advantage of. Again prime example of hard working people having money taken from them while other that live off the government teat has to pay nothing. So I do wonder what would happen if enough citizens just flat out refuse to pay this??? Enjoy your time in office Commissioners including you Mister Chairman never again will I support any of you..... Its sad when Monroe County and the Prison Fire Service can get to me long before the ones they want me to pay. I have seen this numerous times with fires and wrecks on this end of the county.

#40 Anonymous on 11/13/10 at 08:07 PM

Vote the Fat Rats that stole Christmas out of office !!! They can't balance a checkbook or maintain a budget, there stuck on STUPID !

#41 Bright Idea on 11/13/10 at 08:47 PM

I got a good idea. How about we charge these idiots who are breaking the noise ordinance in their box chevy's and impalas about $300 each time they come inside the city limits with their racket??? They probably rent anyway and don't even pay taxes yet they disturb the peace of folks who do pay taxes. I say, Barnesville PD, help us out a little bit here. We need the revenue anyway, right?

#42 Anonymous on 11/13/10 at 09:31 PM

What will they do if NO ONE pays this stupid stuff? They can't put EVERYONE in jail! All of you should REFUSE to pay this.
If I'm not mistaken, citizens have a legal right to request viewing the meeting minutes in which this was decided, and also view the document which made this a law, or whatever it is. Would be very interesting to see the meeting minutes and what everyone said/done in the meeting concerning this issue.

#43 Anonymous on 11/13/10 at 09:33 PM

What will they do if NO ONE pays this stupid stuff? They can't put EVERYONE in jail! All of you should REFUSE to pay this.
If I'm not mistaken, citizens have a legal right to request viewing the meeting minutes in which this was decided, and also view the document which made this a law, or whatever it is. Would be very interested in seeing what was said/done documented in the meeting minutes in which they decided to do this crap.

#44 gab on 11/13/10 at 09:33 PM

You know what the worst part of all of this is? We are all to blame! Yelling at a bunch of elected officials doesn't accomplish anything. Replacing them does. When your elected officials refuse to listen to the voice of the people they are supposed to represent,then you elect someone who will! Somebody with some business sense, please run for the board of commisioners next election! Recent elections have been a joke.

#45 Anonymous on 11/13/10 at 10:22 PM

if u look at your phone bills we already pay a 911 service each month i have lived in other counties spalding and pike and have never heard of such whats next the schools r bad i think i will sale and move to pike

#46 Anonymous on 11/14/10 at 03:07 AM

No matter how they do this, someone is going to pay the shortfall in tax revenue. The question is not if we are going to be taxed but how we are going to be taxed.

A great deal will come out about this shortly. In a few months, all will be revealed.

#47 Rankin Fyle on 11/14/10 at 06:29 AM

What flavor tea do these teabaggers drink anyway? Sounds more like kool aid.
Gordon College is an absolute treasure you idiot. But since you never graduated high school no wonder you are so resentful.

#48 Julia H on 11/14/10 at 06:34 AM

If you want to pay these bills so much, you can have mine :)

#49 Julia H on 11/14/10 at 06:40 AM

Then why are they calling it a Fire and Ambulance Fee?? That is awful and it is not the way things outta be.

We need to find out what the consequences are of NOT paying this bill, and who voted for and against it!

Julia

#50 Julia H on 11/14/10 at 06:45 AM

Dean,

looks like you have more reason that us to beat down some commissioners doors!! That's pathetic, and probably because yours is in that fancy (and empty) Industrial Park!

#51 Julia H on 11/14/10 at 06:58 AM

I agree with you. We should see every registered voter at the polls at every election, and more of us willing to run for office too!

#52 Anonymous on 11/14/10 at 07:23 AM

Why in the hell should anyone pay for these services on vacant land. I too just received my bills I own one ten acre plot with my house on it and one ten acre plot that adjoins it and they want my to pay for this on the vacant land. There is no house or people living on this vacant lot so why should I pay twice???? #11 Thank you for speaking about this because it is just plain stupid.
#12 You are totally right no one can afford this additional tax as we already have to pay extra for the deadbeats in this county. I work and see a lot of these deadbeats. Not to mention that they also work with me but still use the EBT cards to eat lunch on. This is totally wrong and needs to be stopped. People who receive these benefits should not be allowed to live better than those of us who are paying for it through our taxes. And then they have the gall to buy junk food where as I can't at times buy any food at all. Just remember too that the deadbeats also have medicaid to pay for their medical bills. They get off free for not being a responsible person.
# 23 You shut the hell up and pay your own bills. I bet you are one of the deadbeats who are sitting back laughing at the hardworking citizens who don't get a free ride.

#53 Anonymous on 11/14/10 at 07:46 AM

You comment is nonsense. The national debt has increased at the same rate through Regan and everyone else. During tomes of recession it spikes, but the overall trend has been the same no matter which party is in power.

It started going up in the 70's when we starting importing more than we export. We will continue to have increased debt because we PURCHASE more from overseas than we SELL overseas. This causes a negative cash flow, and so we have to either run the country on credit or cut the entire nation's standard of living or life quality.

#54 Anonymous on 11/14/10 at 07:51 AM

if i have to pay the 80.00 dollars why when i needed ambulance for my brother we had to get one from upson county/??.where are these people when you need them??3

#55 Anonymous on 11/14/10 at 08:24 AM

amen #33, my neighbor had to direct the ambulance to his house, then the fools went back up 341, turned left on 36 w, when they were 1 mile from the Upson line...gesh!!!!

#56 Anonymous on 11/14/10 at 09:44 AM

Why a fire and medical fee? Both fire and medical. Because, State of emergency to protect the house from disasters. Not Sheriffs.

#57 Anonymous on 11/14/10 at 09:59 AM

Why fire and medical fee. Because, State of emergency to protect the house from disasters. That why? Lamar County commissioners said Need a full time paid firefighters with the fire house. Not Lamar County sheriff office. Our need and Our want.

#58 Anonymous on 11/14/10 at 10:14 AM

being only a permanent resident and not a citizen i cannot vote but hopefully voice my opinion and have voters vote in my favor... i barely make due with having to pay my mortgage, groceries, and the ungodly high electric bill every month even when my unit is off just to cut back... not only that but with the holidays coming up i have to scrap together what little i have for christmas for my children... this is an outrage and unfortunately will not be able to pay the whole amount, hopefully they can accept a payment plan... what i dont' understand is that i have home owners and health insurance which would both pay if my house burnt down or if i needed an ambulance to transport me or my kids... why this fee? we deserve solid answers from this commission... when is the next meeting i agree with one of the posts above about getting together and picketing the courthouse and refusing to pay this fee! if you take the amount the every bill is and times it by the number of bills they mailed that is almost the amount they say they are in debt... could it be coincedence? also one of the businesses in the city on the highway got a bill for $150 not $80... this is a rip off and total outrage do they not realize that the working class of this community is the only thing holding it together maybe we should all quit our jobs and collect welfare like everyone else in that lives here... let me apologize if i have spelling or grammer mistakes my browser doesn't not spell check i know how some people are so nit picky about those things

#59 fed-up on 11/14/10 at 10:31 AM

Here's a better question. Why is this being paid to the commissioners office. So they can pocket the money?

#60 Anonymous on 11/14/10 at 11:25 AM

that wont work. i took a video of a lound car once and then callled the police and showed it to them. i was at least 75 yards away from it and it was like i was next to it. he seen the video and told me there wasnt a thing he could do about it

#61 Katie on 11/14/10 at 11:50 AM

Has anyone else noticed that the contractor paid to send out these bills failed to indicate where to make payments? Although there is a return address on the card, it does not say to mail payments to that address. And there is no mention of where to pay in person. Most bills tell how to make payment.
It's sad that we're all willing to complain, but no one was willing to run against some of the elected officials. That made it appear that the taxpayers were satisfied with their performance. Hope there are some choices next time.

#62 D. Blake on 11/14/10 at 12:03 PM

I totaly agree, time for some action on our part.
Lets all have a sit in until they get rid of this crap!

#63 Anonymous on 11/14/10 at 01:04 PM

We dont exactly have the NY fire dept here in B, ville. When have they ever kicked down a door to save a life or put out a house before all was lost. My house is over insured, let it burn and if I am in it, thats my problem. Keep you f,n fire & med bill. Im not paying!
....On another note, the SO needs to pull over that damn Subaru wagon running 90mph up and down 36 highway daily with the red light on top of it. Its more of a menace than any house fire

#64 anon on 11/14/10 at 01:11 PM

The next county commissioners meeting is Nov.16th at 7:00 pm at the courthouse.(This Tuesday) See you there. We need to voice our opinions there at the meeting. You are allowed to get up and speak your mind.

#65 bobo on 11/14/10 at 01:17 PM

I have two parcels adjacent to one another, one of which is vacant land (no buildings of any sort, just open field) and I got two bills. I went to the tax assessors office, and they said the billing was not correct, that I should have gotten only the fire fee on the vacant land. I disagreed with this, since these properties are connected. They then agreed to "join" the properties in their records so that I will get only one bill. According to the tax assessors, they can only do this if the parcels are adjacent to one another. If they aren't, then you're out of luck.

#66 bobo on 11/14/10 at 01:24 PM

Dean;
From reading your post above, your property is commercial property in the county, and that's why it is $400. I have commercial property in the city, and it is $100. The $80 bills are for residential property in the county. And no, I don't agree with it either.

#67 Jessica on 11/14/10 at 03:22 PM

I personaly think this is a bunch of BS. I understand that the fire fighters and emt's need to be paid but I thought thats what our taxes were for?? I am with someone who posted earlier that it would be in someones BEST INTREST to NOT MOVE TO LAMAR COUNTY. This is retarted. They are telling us we have to pay for them to put a fire out if the house catches on fire and its NOT RIGHT, and if we dont pay they wont put it out.

#68 gab on 11/14/10 at 03:30 PM

The reason we are asked to pay these fees even though we might have insurance and we will be expected to pay after recieving the services anyway, is that this fee is not really a fee for the fire department and EMS. The commisioners overspent and misbudgeted and need the money to make the county's ends meet. But they couldn't run for election and say they were raising our taxes at the same time so they promised no tax increases. Then they send us a bill for a "fee". This "fee" should be spelled "T A X"!

#69 Anonymous on 11/14/10 at 03:42 PM

hey. f u. get a job you lazy piece of s--t. You better get started now trying to get off your sorry butt cause in a few the Prez is gonna be gone and if you wanna eat you gotta work. But you will go get yourself locked up and we will continue to support your sorry a--. I heard they are thinking about bring back chain gangs. Great idea. By the way folks dont bother trying to call Matthews cause his phone has been disconnected. Yea,right.

#70 H B on 11/14/10 at 03:47 PM

I was of the opinion that it is "Provide for the Common Defence (Fire) and Promote the General Welfare(Ambulance)". That phrase doesnt end with for a price.

#71 Anonymous on 11/14/10 at 04:15 PM

I bet his Azz won't be re-elected

#72 momofone on 11/14/10 at 07:56 PM

Not paying it. They can have my house for 80 bucks, and then they'll owe the bank for the rest of my mortgage, and maybe then I can quit my job and get on gubment assistance!

#73 slm on 11/14/10 at 08:39 PM

I don't think getting angry at people who rent or go to Gordon is the answer. If someone chooses to rent that does not make them deadbeats or lowlifes. Whoever owns the rental property pays the property taxes and it is reflected in the amount of rent charged. However, the city officials are elected officials and we do need to vote them out. Lamar county has a ridiculously high electricity rate, taxes, etc. Terrible school system and though we pay property tax which includes money allocated to the public school system, my four children are privately educated. Has anyone considered a class action suit? This can't be legal can it? We do pay taxes and the ems does charge if they transport you. This is crazy!

#74 Anonymous on 11/14/10 at 09:02 PM

quit renting! Get "yo" credit straight and buy something. Maybe your "buy here, pay here" car will be paid off next year and your credit score will be over 500.

#75 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 06:06 AM

#31
The way it works unless things have changed recently. The county has one engine on grove street that will respond to all calls in the county. The city runs automatic mutual aid with the county. If its on the north end, Butts Co and Spalding will be dispatched. I know this because I worked for Butts Co and responded several times to 36, Chappell Mill and High Falls Road. When an incident gets dispatched the volunteers in county also get dispatched, but its hard to do anything with a S-10 with a water can when theres a house fire. I dont mind paying the $80.00, the problem I have is that it doesnt even go into the Fire/EMS budget, it goes into the general find for all departments to spend. The empty stations are all volunteers. Not sure what will happen if you dont pay the bill, I guess they will take you to court and spend more money on court costs. Go figure.........

#76 tp on 11/15/10 at 06:15 AM

no, i graduated college and have a masters in education. im upset about paying tax after tax. you are the one thats been drinking the obamaide.gordon is a great for locals wanting to further their education. it is not a financial windfall for the community however as many would have you believe. we have become a dumping ground for all the students the rest of the state does not want.

#77 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 07:44 AM

most of the complainers here probably get a tax break because of their land being in conservation....esp those that say they have 2 tracts together....they are gaming the system and now are griping about having to pay alittle extra....if you dont pay the 80 dollars, they will list your property in the paper next november under the fi fas section....then someone else will pay it for you and then you will owe them the fee plus one and a half percent per month until you pay it or they get your land for 80 dollars

#78 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 07:58 AM

up until anthony got in the office we were allowed to claim homestead exemption now for the past two years my property taxes have doubled as i am sure some have tripled... so much for a friggin' tax break

#79 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 08:31 AM

I hope the real rat is revealed soon.

#80 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 08:41 AM

We seriously need to have a town meeting and organize a legal case against this fee. Sure we can vote them out and we can also let these people know how we feel about their tactics legally. I'm willing to pitch in a fee for a good lawyer to fight this and any future surprises. If we don't do something quickly this just gives them the green light to come up with more unexpected fees to surprise us with and rest assure this fee will probably be $100.00 dollars next due to the rising cost of mismanaged tax revenues and the inability to budget funds.

#81 Shirley on 11/15/10 at 08:42 AM

This is not a sarcastic matter, IT IS UNFAIR, especially to the senior citizens and the unemployed...

#82 Silly Rabbit on 11/15/10 at 09:21 AM

That has nothing to do with Ms. Anthony. That is from Gov. Perdue and the state.

#83 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 09:23 AM

I have to say? BECAUSE, STATE OF EMERGENCY TO PROTECT THE HOUSE FROM DISASTERS. FIRE and EMS, Both? That why? Medical service fee 50 dollars and Fire service fee 30 dollars, total 80 dollars. If you pay 80 dollars. Not budget. I have to say, Tax.

#84 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 09:25 AM

"The next county commissioners meeting is Nov.16th at 7:00 pm at the courthouse.(This Tuesday) See you there. We need to voice our opinions there at the meeting. You are allowed to get up and speak your mind.

"PAY ATTENTION PEOPLE! THIS IS THE BEST POST SO FAR. IF YOU WANT SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS, OVERFILL THIS ROOM AND LET THEM KNOW.... DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT OR ENJOY YOUR LAST TERM!

#85 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 10:41 AM

....On another note, the SO needs to pull over that damn Subaru wagon running 90mph up and down 36 highway daily with the red light on top of it. Its more of a menace than any house fire

His name is Charles Muise please call and complane he is going to kill someone

#86 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 10:52 AM

When the people said no to a tax increase local government attempts to substitute it with a fee which is nothing more than a tax with a hidden agenda. The fee is not enforceable. Everyone should send it back and say no thank you. And remember to vote Jay out of office next time. He is still wasting other people's money.

#87 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 11:21 AM

I agree with you I live on SS ,not enough to pay for my bills have 10 grandchildren and cant afford Christmas for them are my children
I will never give to the fire department again, you pay this and still have to pay the bill

#88 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 11:48 AM

BOO HOO!and boo hoo to the paper

#89 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 12:14 PM

That was homestead relieve you got from the state>
The state took that. Ms Anthony only collects she sets no fees

#90 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 12:49 PM

Do Not Pay. Its definately not enforceable! litigation will soon be in progress!

#91 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 01:04 PM

WAH! WAH! WAH!

#92 kim p on 11/15/10 at 01:05 PM

Everyone needs to attend the meeting on November 17th at 7pm! If we all go, and stand united, at the very least we can let these people know who we WONT be voting for next year.

#93 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 01:15 PM

Whats next? A flea and tick fee for the dog pound?Why don't the county spend money on something worth while for change like a committee to investigate spending and ways to cut back? I'm sure there is 100's of ways to save but it does take a effort. Raising tax's and creating fee's is not the answer. I'm looking forward to that meeting tomorrow.

#94 anon on 11/15/10 at 01:43 PM

If someone had ran against him, I am sure he would have been voted out. Now we have to put up with 4 more years of his dictatorship. Maybe we will get lucky and he will resign. We could always organize a write-in campaign to force him out and then his loyal gophers he has working for him at the county commissioners office that covers his behind can follow him out the door. By the way, wonder how the girl got hired that took Gretchen's place? I heard she already had the job. Jay Mathews wanted her hired. They just ran an ad in the paper for the job to pull the wool over the taxpayers eyes. And guess what? She has no degrees, but a high school education. My friend applied that had degrees in accounting. She never got a call. I would be willing to say most of the people that applied did not get called. This ought to be an interesting topic for the meeting tomorrow night. It seems like to me , they don't wont to hire people that are well capable of performance and smart in certain positions. And we wonder why we are in the hole in this county as for as money. And with money being thrown in the general fund there is no accountabilty as to where the money is being spent. That is why it is called the "General Fund". I think it should be renamed the "Slush Fund".

#95 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 02:31 PM

The meeting is Tomorrow TUESDAY 11-15-10 @ 7pm

#96 anon on 11/15/10 at 02:31 PM

It is NOVEMBER 16TH AT 7:00PM not November 17th. Are you a Commissioner in diguise, that wrote the above post? It is tomorrow night everybody. Park in back of the courthouse or over at United Bank's parking lot and walk to the back of the courthouse to go into the meeting. You should attend every meeting if you are a taxpayer. It is only one meeting a month. The 2nd Tuesday of each month. It is as important as voting in the elections. They discuss and vote on how they are going to spend our money. If you are concerned about Lamar County and the direction it is headed go to these meetings. I have gone to these meetings and the only time I have seen them full was when they were going to raise the propery tax. I sat and listened to alot of irate taxpayers telling the commissioners what they thought of them for spending our money and not cutting the budget. Be there, if you care about the way your money is being spent and wasted in the county.

#97 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 02:41 PM

Where were all you people when the discussion about balancing the county budget was plastered all over the news and the blog? Under a rock? This is old news- but since the bills have now been sent out, people are paying attention....There were three or four meetings held and the public was invited and attended......

#98 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 03:33 PM

TUESDAY 16TH AT THE COURT HOUSE. LETS MAKE A STAND AGAINST THIS!

#99 Karen on 11/15/10 at 04:53 PM

To all of you who are interested in taking a chance to voice your opinions on this hidious bill there will be a commissioners meeting tomorrow night at the Court house at 7:00 p.m.
Please come out and voice your opinions, this crap needs to stop.

#100 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 05:29 PM

No that would mean they would have to come out of the back and actually do some work. If you go in that office it takes at least 15 mins for someone to come out. I say get rid of the lazy butts and put some in that will work

#101 stgfox on 11/15/10 at 06:19 PM

The meeting is Tomorrow Tuesday 11-16-10 @7pm.your have the wrong date.

#102 Preston Foster on 11/15/10 at 06:21 PM

They did this crap several years ago with the trash pickup fees. Lamar co. stole over $1500.00 from me!!! They never once picked up my trash, nor did I want them to ! Its time for US to take out the trash! See you all at the meeting tomorrow!

#103 It's Me on 11/15/10 at 07:10 PM

I actually DID call and complain to the fire chief on the same car ... Steve Andrews just spouted minimal excuses for this person who was NOT going to a call. I met up with that car at the ball fields so I am POSITIVE there was no call he was responding to. It is ILLEGAL and better stop before someone gets killed by that idiot who has no respect for the law and aparently for other firefighters that his is reflecting his behavior upon.

#104 anon. on 11/15/10 at 07:46 PM

This whole fee thing wrong in so many ways.
#1. No explanation on the post card
a. on what authority?
b. are the fees earmarked or county general fund
c. no contact information
d. why make the county commission the payee on checks?

#2. The postcard looks more like a scam than a legitimate bill; nothing official, no contact number, no explanation, no justification...

#3. No logic; in Lamar County, a moderately expensive house will likely be on a single parcel of less than 5 acres and the fee will be less than $80 while farm land and vacant land having NO structures and NO inhabitants may be divided into multiple parcels and be charged many times as much in fees.

#4. These fees are neither "fees for service" nor a tax. A "fee for service" implies a connection between the cost of the service and the property (vacant land certainly won't require much in the way of emergency medical services, and fire services will certainly be less of an immediate emergency on vacant land than on homes. On the other hand, a tax is based on value (as these fees clearly are not.

#5. Even if a tax-payer does not use particular services (schools, for example), would anyone really want to live in a society which had no schools or hospitals or roads or police departments? Lamar County taxes should be for the purpose of making Lamar County a better place to live. It's not clear WHAT the purpose of these fees is.

#6. All-in-all these fees seem like a clumsy way of papering over budget and other county commission problems.

So what else is new?

#105 anon on 11/15/10 at 07:49 PM

For those of you that don't know. The Lamar County Commissioners are meeting Wednesday morning to discuss with the other small town governments about extending the splost to 6 more years. Then they will hold a special election in March on this. One of the projects they are going to spend the money on is for Fire Department improvements and new equipment. So what in the heck is this 80.00 per tax payer fire and ems fee for? Where in the heck is this money going???? I hope it gets voted down. Does everybody see why they didn't go with a sales tax unstood of increasing property tax or this so called fire and ems fee that we are paying? Because these low down commissioners knew they were planning on extending the splost for 6 more years. Tax, tax, tax, tax, tax!!! I have had enough.

#106 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 08:10 PM

Hello morons!!

Rentors don't have to pay?

Seriously? Is that what you honestly think?

Surely SOMEBODY owns the property that's being rented, and you can be sure that that person is getting the same bill the rest of us are getting. I'd even be willing to bet that he or she is even increasing the rent to offset the cost. There you go, everyone has to pay.

Do you think that fire and ambulance services are free? I can assure you they are not. Moreover the county cannot accomodate the increasing cost of upkeep, salary, and new equipment without additional revenue so like it or not we have to pay for the services we enjoy.

Don't pay if you don't want to, that's your choice; but don't whine when your house burns down or your father has a heart attack and nobody shows up to help. That's also the result of your choice.

#107 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 08:37 PM

You have a red light mounted on your personal vehicle somewhere dont you..hahaha

#108 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 08:50 PM

barnesville.org.......You mean this isnt true?

The careful planning of economic development in a community is the key foundation to providing outstanding service, stable tax structure and an excellent quality of life. Barnesville-Lamar County has it all: rural land, an excellent educational system, a well-maintained system of roads, shopping, parks and recreation, cultural activities, and community events. These qualities attract and retain the work force and local businesses. The Chamber works tirelessly in welcoming new comers while encouraging new and existing business development for our charming community.

#109 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 11:07 PM

It obviously did a lot of good to attend the last meetings. I can see they really listened to the people!!!

#110 Anonymous on 11/15/10 at 11:21 PM

Why blame something on the tax commissioner that the clowns of the boc and the state did.
Check facts before you open your blowhole

#111 Anonymous on 11/16/10 at 12:01 AM

So when will we start paying for a Law Enforcement fee? I'm sure the Sheriff's Office and Police Department would like to get some extra money for doing the job they are supposed...oh yeah.

Nevermind that doesn't make sense. Paying extra for something that is already covered in taxes makes no sense. But, if I was having to pay for something extra I would rather it be the cops. Where I'm located in the county, when my house catches on fire, it will be the Sheriff's Department that gets there first anyways. At least they can help me get my dogs out of the house. It'll be dust by the time an engine gets there. And don't preach about Oh what about if you have a heart attack?!?! I live close to the interstate. I have a better chance of getting driven to the hospital then waiting for Mid Georgia Ambulance. Thanks Fire/EMS fees. Such a wonderful idea.

#112 Anonymous on 11/16/10 at 06:41 AM

that is was homeowners insurance is for... that is what health insurance is for... anyways by the time you actually got a fire truck or ambulance to your residence your house would be burnt and you would probably be dead! i can probably make it to the hospital if something happens quicker than our lovely volunteers and ems personnel can get in their trucks... this is a joke... if it's for the firefighters and ems then that is who the checks the should be made out too not the board of commissioners... and i totally agree with the post above for all we know it's a scam the way it was mailed and its appearance... oh wait it is a scam!

#113 Anonymous on 11/16/10 at 09:12 AM

why are you attacking the fire/ems folks if you're problem is the amount of the fees?i doubt very seriously that they had anything to do with these fees.

#114 Anonymous on 11/16/10 at 09:22 AM

The meeting is tonight. Show up and voice your opinion to the people appointed crooks.

#115 Anonymous on 11/16/10 at 10:07 AM

not attacking the fire/ems... attacking the fact that if you don't pay your fees they will be told not to come to your house... why pay for a fee when half the time they lack in their job? if you notice on your cell phone and land line bills you already pay a 911 fee to your county

#116 Anonymous on 11/16/10 at 10:33 AM

Well Well Well! When a tax increase was being discussed everyone went on the warpath. Then they through you all a curve and hid a new tax under the word fee. That left all of you scratching your behinds. Now all of a sudden everyone is getting these bills of this hidden tax and no body likes how their fingers smell. Just what part of getting the shaft did you all not understand when fees instead of tax was mentioned.

My advice is don't pay it. Yes you can bet you are still going to pay an ambulance fee if you ever need it. Why pay twice? If the FD wants to let your property go up in flames then let the insurance company deal with them and the county.

It appears we are electing more and more morons to serve in government simply because intelligent people wish to avoid it. These morons thinks they can ignore your rights. Some are arrogant but others are just to stupid to know any better.

#117 Jeffery Taylor on 11/16/10 at 02:57 PM

How are the deer,squirrels,ticks,and pine trees going to call 911 if case of emergency? Does the Lamar Co Board of Commissioners believe the deer,squirrels,ticks,and pine trees have a cell phone to call 911? Probably so, but that's what lives on the vacant property the county billed me for. The county blew smoke up everyones ass, leading the citizens of Lamar to believe this was a fair proposal. Seriously, how much more will it take. I ready to fire the entire board. Are you? Let's start a recall petition,fire the current board and start over new. I'm ready, are you.

#118 Shirley on 11/16/10 at 05:16 PM

I will not be able to attend the counsel meeting tonight, however I spoke with WAGA FOX 5 news. They stated that although it was too late to attend the meeting, if we called them and let them know what took place during the meeting, they would come-out tomorrow and do a story on what took place, and why the citizens of Lamar County are so angry. The phone number for (WAGA FOX 5 News)is 404-875-5555. If no one calls can you please post on this website what took place during the meeging, and I will call FOX 5.

#119 Julia H on 11/17/10 at 03:56 AM

It was said at the meeting that the county has a contract with Mid GA Ambulance that costs the county $350,000. Then the ambulance service is paid handsomely everytime they transport a person to the hospital. On top of that, figure 9400 +/- a few times $80. And some are paying a lot more. My calculator says $752,000 that is set aside in a special account (Commissioners said at last night's meeting that the funds are NOT going into the general fund, but a special fund for fire and ambulance services).

There are only 3 paid firemen in the county from my understanding of what was said last night at the meeting. The rest are volunteers.
The County Commission wants to build a training center for firefighters.

At some point we are TAXED ENOUGH ALREADY.

It was brought up that Spalding County, Butts County and Henry County have higher taxes than us. No mention was made of the other surrounding counties such as Crawford, Monroe, Pike, and Upson. I will personally make calls to all the surrounding counties to see what their millage rate is, and leave out Henry County that does NOT border our county. Then do a little adding and division to see what the average millage rate is. I bet we fit right in.

We are a RURAL county. We did not move here to be just like Griffin.

Julia

Julia

#120 Shirley on 11/17/10 at 07:00 AM

Thank you Ms. Julia.

If you look at the counties that they are using as an example, these are larger areas with larger populations. Expecially Henry and Spalding county. However I moved from Henry county and I am paying higher taxes in Lamar than I was in Henry county. And while I was living in Henry county, I could see my tax dollars working for me. Here in Lamar county I haven't. When I drive through Spalding county, I see their tax dollars working for them as well. You have a larger population in both counties, however I am still paying more taxes here in Lamar county than I was in Henry county, and although my taxes went up last year, I still don't see my tax dollars working for me. This would also include my dirt road with extremely large pot-holes.

My other concern is that I have senior citizens living in my area. These are people that live on fixed incomes. They can't afford this last minute decision.

But I thank you kindly for your update.... Have a great day!

#121 Anonymous on 11/17/10 at 08:58 AM

Ambulance service is only paid "handsomely" if (a) the folks who called the ambulance have some type of payment source (as you mentioned, we are a rural county, so many do not) and (b) the ambulance actually transports them to a hospital. If you ask the ambulance service, they will tell you that many of their calls result in "no tranport" which means no payment.

#122 Sheila Tolley on 11/17/10 at 10:00 AM

Just tell the fire department you elect that "they will be paid as the ambulances are" if you call them you will pay them. Screw all the crooked county tactics.

#123 Judy on 11/17/10 at 10:44 AM

So you bought this commercial property during the "boom" (and probably felt like a real high-roller, real-estate tycoon - looking down on us poor but simple people), and now that you're stuck with it during the "bust", you want to whine to us poor but still simple people?

#124 Anonymous on 11/17/10 at 05:23 PM

Thanks for telling me this, I feel a little better about it now.

#125 Anonymous on 11/17/10 at 08:18 PM

Why don't we start a recall petition and get rid of the politicians who haven't been honest with us? If that means starting from scratch, then so be it. The "services" the county claims to deliver are of dubious quality at best, and the schools are absolutely horrendous.

PS. Volunteer firefighter or not, that little Subaru IS a menace to the citizens on our roads, and is a poor reflection on the VFD.

#126 A Very Concerned Citizen on 11/18/10 at 06:27 PM

So my question is... If I have Tricare through the Military... who pays in FULL for me if I ever have to call an ambulance... then WHY do I have to pay the $50.00 ambulance fee?? It makes no sense at all. There is also no reason with the amount of taxes we pay each year for the county to have a maxed out line of credit with United Bank. It sounds to me like there needs to be some "restructuring" at the top level so that our tax dollars can be put to good use and that LOC paid off. Also, who votes for (and approves) a pay raise for themselves when the county that they represent is in bad shape? I bet if all city and county government jobs were volunteer jobs or capped at a certain pay scale, we wouldn't have near the amount of abusive so called leaders in office.

#127 Anonymous on 11/19/10 at 04:45 AM

Does anyone have any idea where significant tax money can be saved? It's easy to say cut taxes, but what services do we want to cut?

It seems to me this a top to bottom problem in the county offices. A few years ago they were going to revalue property in some areas of Barnesville and that all got stopped. Then the county gave ag money and property to Barnesville and to the school system.

People think the spending at the school was all a SPLOST but they received free county property in the process. Where were all you people at when daddy sawbucks was giving things to the school system and to Barnesville? Where were you when the adjustment to property values in Barnesville got tossed out? Sleeping?

A great deal of the wasted money is on county employees. For some reason we keep employees who don't know what they are doing or who are stealing. Then when one or two get caught we never prosecute. Why would any county employee be afraid to steal or actually do a good job when they are not held to any standard, even after grand larceny?

It takes years of not caring to get into a mess like this. We aren't going to fix it now in a few months or even a year. Not a single person here has suggested a way out of this mess. The only suggestion is to not pay taxes.

The first thing anyone needs to know is where the money went. We aren't going to know that if the same people who have been running things do their own audit and release the information.

We do a few things. We know a perfectly usable fire building was given up, and now a business is using it. We know we have a nice new annex for county offices. We know over the past years employees steal money and are not prosecuted. We know the county gave Barnesville and the school system gifts in the hundreds of thousands of dollars value if not millions. We know the outrageous money some people are paid for their jobs. We know we have some incompetent department heads and employees. We know we can't get property values increased in certain areas of Barnesville, we can only hit one farmer at a time. We know the latest tax lets people who live in apartments and over-breed and collect public aid get off free while property owners are stuck.

All the stuff costing us millions of dollars and we only raise hell about 50 dollars. Pay the 50 bucks and worry about the big things being stolen and why Barnesville and the school system get all the valuable gifts. That's where the money really went. How much was that bus barn worth or that property the county gave the city? Maybe the city should give the county a gift for a change, or is the city council smarter or better negotiators than the county commission?

#128 Scalymocus on 11/19/10 at 03:29 PM

GREED GREED GREED. (*&^ them all. They can kiss my A**

#129 Anonymous on 11/22/10 at 06:37 AM

there you go again.folks, its not the fire dept. or ems doing this.where did the info come from about fire/ems not responding if the fee is not paid?

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