Jones County lowers property tax rate again, down 12 cents over last 6 years
The Jones County Board of Commissioners approved the county manager’s recommendation of the 2022-2023 fiscal year budget.
“With it being a re-evaluation year for Jones County along with the highest inflation rates that we’ve seen in decades, we knew that this wasn’t going to be an easy budget to work through,” said Jones County Commissioner April Aycock. “Despite these challenges, we were still able to give a 3% COLA to our county employees as well as decrease the tax rate by 3 cents to 72.”
Budget highlights as stated in the agenda:
Tax Rate will be lowered by $0.03 to $0.72. That is down from a peak of $0.84 six years ago.
Countywide 3% COLA for county employees.
Water Rates have been adjusted 5% to position Jones County for future expansion needs. Tap Fees were also increased $500 each.
eScribe software meeting management program has been added to the FY 2023 budget.
The Alcohol fee for the Jones County Civic Center has increased from $150 to $800.
Volunteer Fire Department and Volunteer EMS department per call rate has increased from $50 to $100.
Starting pay for Deputy Sheriff’s and EMS Paramedics has increased. Employees already on these staffs with similar duties have also been trued up in relation the starting pay increase.
