Dawson County Board of Commissioners

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Those who would like a chance to voice their concerns about the proposed fiscal year 2018 budget will have that opportunity when the Dawson County Board of Commissioners holds a called meeting and the second public hearing on the $37.3 million spending bill Thursday at 4 p.m.

The budget proposal represents a 3.7 percent increase over last year’s $36 million budget. If it is adopted in its present form, it will require the use of $1.38 million from the fund balance (reserves.)

Among the goals set by commissioners in drafting the budget was creation of a realistic, revenue-based budget that would require no increase in the millage rate and at the same time provide improved funding for all departments that would allow them to an improved level of service.

Sheriff Jeff Johnson

Some of the challenges the board faced this year included the $1.08 million cost to implement staff salary increases recommended by last year’s wage and salary study an 18 percent increase in the cost of employee health insurance and increased operational needs of multiple departments.

The Sheriff’s Office is seeking the largest budgetary increase of about $500,000 from $6.82 million last year to $7.3 million this year. Sheriff Johnson has said growth in commerce along the Ga. 400 corridor and the addition of several major residential developments requires additional staff and funding.