BOE seeks millage rate increase ... Public hearings for tax increase set for September 13 & 20
by ALLISON COBB
Editor
With continued losses in funding from the State, the Tattnall County School System has taken numerous measures to cut back and save money — employees were furloughed another ten days this year, the school calendar was cut, students have given up field trips, teachers are giving up planning periods to sub for one another, classrooms are packed with extra students, 18 jobs were lost, and another 18 are in jeopardy.
Now the Board of Education is turning to taxpayers to help in the financial crunch. At a called Board meeting Monday, August 30, members approved, although not unanimously, to advertise a millage rate of 13.496, an increase of 1.95 mills, or 16.89 percent (from the rollback millage rate allowable without a tax increase of 11.546).
“The state of Georgia has forsaken its responsibility for funding public schools and placed that burden on local boards of education. For 10 years in Tattnall County, the local school board has not raised the millage rate,” said Dr. Gina Williams, Superintendent.
In a normal school year, the local school system receives two allotment sheets from the State Department of Education, which show how much funding the system will receive. This year, there were nine, with each one showing additional cuts in revenue. In total, $3,059,021 in State funding was cut this past year. Federal ARRA money gave Tattnall $1,544,877 but locally the system was still short $1,514,144.
While State cuts were high this year, school systems are being told to prepare for the worst with additional State cuts planned for the current school year and any extra federal funding running out in 2012.
“Every indication that we have gotten from Atlanta has indicated that FY11 and FY12 will have more State cuts than FY10. Compounding the State budget issues in 2012 are our own troubles. In FY12, we will lose more State money when our local fair share that the State withholds increases and our equalization that we typically receive from the State decreases,” she said. “The perfect storm is brewing and we are going to be caught in the destruction if we don’t do something now.”
Federal ARRA money that was received this past year runs out in April 2011. This money is currently funding 18 positions and Williams stated that those people would need to be let go unless they could be funded locally — amounting to $750,000. Additionally, the State has projected an increase in Tattnall’s local fair share contribution of $150,000 and a decrease in equalization money of $40,000. On top of that, the value of one mill locally has decreased approximately $3,000 (amounting to $410,175 per mill).
“The budget we have proposed for FY11 is almost $2 million dollars smaller than the FY09 budget. And still your system employees continue to save money and willingly give up work days that equates to money out of their pockets in an effort to keep our system in the black,” said Dr. Williams.
Four different millage rates were presented to Board members for their consideration — 11.546, 13.496, 13.546 and 14.046. Dr. Williams explained that the expenses were staying the same under each circumstance, only the revenue would be changing.
“I want each of us to say what we will about the millage rate here,” said Chairman Richard Bland. “Ethically, when a decision is made, we are supposed to support it. If you’ve got something to say, now is the time to say it.”
Board member Marilyn Lanier questioned what the plans were for the federal money that Tattnall is supposed to receive this year ($680,506).
President Obama’s Education Jobs Funding Program money for the state of Georgia is $315 million. Tattnall’s portion of that is $680,506.
“Our experience with federal money has been that we never see a net gain,” said Dr. Williams. “In fact, the State has been known to add the federal money in on one line on our allotment sheet and then subtract the same amount out on a different line. We have been told by the State DOE to prepare for future cuts and be prudent with this federal money. We have still not received information as to how this money will be allocated to systems.”
If the money does come through, it must be spent right away. Dr. Williams explained that they would use the money for salaries and then take out that same amount from local money (that would have otherwise gone for those salaries) and save it for 2012 when the worst (for funding) is projected.
Chairman Bland voiced his concern over the crowded classrooms, some with 35 students.
Dr. Williams explained that the loss of 18 staff members forced the need for larger class sizes, averaging 27-35 students in grades 4-12.
“It is very unusual to have that many students in a class, especially in 4th-8th grade. The high school classes are packed too, with elective courses larger because of the loss of some electives,” she said.
“If we had more efficient teachers, then they could handle 27-33 students in a classroom,” said Lanier. “Dollars spent per child does not equate to student achievement. We can’t throw money at the situation; money won’t do the job. We need to look at incompetence in the classroom and at the administrative level. We are not doing that.”
“That is a slap in the face to our teachers,” said Board member Jeff Odom.
Mary Ruth Ray argued that class size was in direct relationship to student achievement.
“There is a lot of research to support that smaller class sizes benefit student achievement,” said Ray.
Board member Dale Kicklighter agreed. “Collins schools always out performed, not because they had better teachers, but because of the smaller class sizes,” he said.
After much discussion and debate, Dr. Williams gave her recommendation that the board approve a millage rate of 13.496.
“You have heard my explanation and you have seen the figures. While I believe that we need the millage set at 14.046 to carry us through FY11 and FY12, I understand the burden that this would place on the taxpayers,” said Dr. Williams. “In an effort to continue to be fiscally responsible to our citizens, our staff will continue to save money and spend wisely and we will make our budget work with the millage at 13.496.”
Board member Brandon Johnson struggled with the amount of the proposed millage increase, stating he would be more comfortable asking for an increase of one mill instead.
“I commend Gina and the staff for the job they’ve done in saving money. My hard time is that we don’t know what will happen in the next few months,” said Johnson. “Other people are hurting too; necessities are going up. I will have a hard time telling people that we are raising the millage rate by two mills when we have a $1.2 million fund balance and $680,000 coming from federal money. We didn’t think we’d have any money at the end of this fiscal year and now we have $1.2 million. I’d be willing to look at something lower but I don’t think I can vote for anything this high (regarding the proposed 13.496 millage rate).”
The proposed FY11 budget (at 13.496 mills) projects a fund balance of $1,554,266.
In a previous budget workshop meeting, Dr. Williams had explained that the fund balance ending this fiscal year (of $1,293,852) was not because they “found” extra money but it was because of the staff pay cuts, lack of money spent in the classroom, loss of planning periods to avoid hiring outside substitutes, etc. Other problems also needed to be addressed, such as two roofs that had leaked the last time it rained. She had stated that the budget (expenses) had been cut every year and they had saved money on top of that. The proposed budget also reflected those same tightened restraints on expenses. The increase in revenue was needed, she stated, to maintain in a time of continued loss of State funding.
“And not all of the increased revenue will be just to save,” said Financial Director Debbie Powell. “Some of that money will weather the cuts that we know are coming. Two budgets have already been prepared at the State level, one with a 2 percent cut and one with a 4 percent cut in funding. For Tattnall, that means a loss of an additional $325,000 (2 percent) or $750,000 (4 percent).
When it finally came down to a vote on the Superintendent’s recommendation of 13.496 mills, by a show of hands, Board members voting in favor were Mary Ruth Ray, Richard Bland, Dale Kicklighter and Jeff Odom. Board members Brandon Johnson and Marilyn Lanier were opposed.
In a vote to advertise the proposed budget for FY11, the vote was unanimous in favor.
Additionally, the Board voted unanimously to schedule the required public hearings regarding the tax increase for Monday, September 13 at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Monday, September 20 at 11 a.m. The regular board meeting will follow at 1 p.m. on September 20, at which time the millage rate and budget will be officially adopted.
Commissioners vote to not raise taxes
by Ronald E. McCall
Staff Writer
On Thursday, August 26, 2010, the Tattnall County Commissioners voted to fund a $159,609.00 FY 2011 budget shortfall without raising taxes. Funds to cover the projected shortfall will come from the FY 2010 fund balance which is estimated to be about $500,000.00. The final budget will be voted upon after the required advertisement in the county organ.
FY 2011 projected revenues are $9,384,380.00, which is down from FY 2010 by $94,194.00. The Tattnall County net tax digest is down by $3,275,037.00, which reduces the net tax levy $38,554.00. In addition, court fines are down due to fewer cases by the Georgia State Patrol.
FY 2011 projected expenditures are $9,543,989.00, which is an increase of $65,415.00. According to Chairman Frank Murphy, most of the increase is due to employee benefits.
With less than a quarter to go, fiscal year revenues are down three percent, but expenses are down eight percent for FY 2010. Murphy attributes those figures to the dedicated efforts of all county employees, including management and the county manager, and the fact that everyone recognizes the effects of the economic downturn on the local economy.
The commissioners have said on several occasions that they would prefer to provide salary increases for employees. However, with the possibility that the current recession could intensify later this year and continue into 2011 and perhaps beyond which could negatively impact revenues, the effects of a tax increase on the local economy had to be considered. A reasonable fund balance projected for this fiscal year provided the cushion which allowed another year without a tax increase.
Chairman Murphy stated that the 2011 budget includes no salary increases. However, he also pointed out that there are no furloughs in the budget and no loss of holiday pay. In addition, the county continues to pay over 90 percent of all employee benefits, including health insurance.
Mobile home that was being rented by Debbie Wright
Home destroyed in fire on Lynntown Road
by DAVID AVERY
Staff Writer
On Saturday, August 29, 2010, a fire at a mobile home located at 1586 Lynntown Road just outside Reidsville totaled the entire structure. The home is owned by Debbie Willis Joyner of Reidsville and was being rented by Debbie Wright. Ms. Wright’s two daughters and her grandbaby were living in the home with her. The fire lasted a total of two hours and 48 minutes and the point of origin was the air conditioning air handler. The actual cause is unknown. The American Red Cross was at the scene to assist the family and offered a two-night hotel stay but the family opted to stay with Ms. Wright’s sister because of the family pet. The Reidsville, Collins and Jan Powell Fire Departments were at the scene promptly to extinguish the fire. Anyone interested in assisting the family, please call 912-314-0518.
Sopomore Nick Overton moves the ball for the Tattnall Warriors
Warriors defeat Tigers, 28-6
by WILLIAM CARWELL
Staff Writer
The Battle Creek Warriors defeated the Claxton Tigers 28-6 last Friday, August 27, in the Pecan Grove in Claxton. The game was the season opener for both teams.
Tattnall County sprinted out to a commanding 21-0 halftime lead, mainly on the legs of senior quarterback Quaysean Davis and went on to win 28-6.
In the first quarter both teams’ defenses came out playing tough. The Warriors received the opening kick-off of the game but had to punt after running only three plays. Claxton’s first offensive possession didn’t fare any better as the Tigers were forced into a three and out also.
The Warrior offense would then march 79 yards on 11 plays to score the game’s first touchdown. Two running plays by Quaysean Davis gave the Warriors a first down at their own 42-yard line with 7:13 left in the opening period. Two plays later Davis passed to Tyshawn Steger, giving the Warriors another first down into Claxton territory. The Warriors then converted on a big fourth down and inches three plays later on the Tiger’s 37-yard line. On first down, Davis and Chaz Kicklighter just missed connecting on a long pass play up the right side line. Tattnall then was forced back five yards after a penalty. Two plays later Quaysean Davis ran left then cut back to the right and raced 42 yards for a touchdown. Deshaun Davis kicked the first of his four extra points to give Tattnall 7-0 lead with 3:06 left in the first quarter. Tattnall kicked off and made a good hit on the Tiger return man who fumbled the ball. The Warriors jumped on it at 26-yard line. From there, the Warriors would punch in for a two-touchdown lead. Shayon Guest scored on a five yard run on fourth down and three early in the second quarter. Deshawn Davis split the uprights and the Warriors led 14-0.
The Warrior defense once again forced a Claxton punt. A good kick pinned the Warriors down at the 16-yard line with 8:26 before the half. Two plays later, Deshawn Davis made a spectacular run. Davis followed his blockers around the left end, just as it appeared he was going to get hit by two defenders he gave them a quick shampoo move, the old head and shoulders. He dipped to the inside, stopped and got a tremendous block from Dominick Stoutamire then streaked down the sideline to the Claxton 27 yard line. Seven plays later, Quaysean Davis powered his way into the end zone from two yards out. Deshaun Davis kicked the point after and Tattnall led 21-0 at the half.
In the third quarter, the Tigers received the opening kickoff and faced fourth and ten. The Tigers punted but a roughing the kicker penalty gave Claxton new life and a first down on the Warrior 35 yard line with 6:44. The Tigers drive would stall there as Ken Murphy almost intercepted a Claxton pass on third down. On fourth down, the Tigers couldn’t connect on a long pass attempt and the Warriors took over on downs from their own 38-yard line.
On Tattnall’s first play, Quaysena Davis hit Dominick Stoutamire on a fly pattern to the Claxton 21 yard line. A few plays later, Quaysean Davis found Chaz Kicklighter in the corner of the end zone on a nine-yard touchdown pass. The kick by Deshaun Davis made the score 28-0, Warriors, with 2:16 in the third quarter.
The Tigers would finally get on the board with a long drive. The key play came on third and 20 with a long pass completion to Tattnall 15 yard line. The Tigers later scored on a one-yard plunge. The two-point try was stuffed by the Tattnall defense and the score was now 28-6 with 8:23 left on the game.
The Warriors would punt on their next possession and the Tigers got the ball at mid-field after the return. Claxton would again be stopped on four downs and the Warriors got the ball back and ran out the clock to secure the victory 28-6.
Quaysean Davis led the Warriors with 144 yards rushing on 13 carries and two touchdowns. He also passed for 77 yards and touchdown. The Tattnall defense turned back several Tiger scoring threats on fourth down and forced Claxton to punt most of the night. Several plays experienced cramps from heat and dehydration, which is typical at the beginning of the season.
The Warriors go to 1-0 on the season. Claxton falls to 0-1. The Warriors will have their first home game of the season this Friday as they host the Screven County Gamecocks. Screven County from region 3-AA lost 28-14 to AAAA Effingham County last Friday.
The Gamecocks will provide a big challenge to the Warriors. These two teams have a long history together. Tattnall is 4-8 all-time against the Gamecocks but the two haven’t met on the field since 2005.
Helen Nelson is Grand Marshal for Homecoming Parade for TCHS
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Helen Nelson
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Helen Nelson has been chosen as the 2010 TCHS Homecoming parade Grand Marshal. Mrs. Nelson has held a lifelong commitment to the athletic programs of Tattnall County that began with her playing basketball for Reidsville High School. At the time, Reidsville High School did not have a football team. Mrs. Nelson was born in Cobbtown as Helen Cannon and moved to Reidsville at a young age. She wed Bill Nelson and together they had three children, Ed, Tara and Tracy. Ed participated in football at Reidsville High School. Mrs. Nelson was proud to never have missed a game no matter how cold the bleachers seemed! Ed later married Jeannie O’Neal of Glennville and had three children Ashley, Laura and Olivia. Tara participated in athletics as a cheerleader and on the tennis team. Tara later married Don Martin and had Austin, Caylee, Tyler, and Avery. Tracy was also a cheerleader and participated in the band. Tracy has children, Courtney, Landon and Blake and is married to Alex Houston.
Helen’s grandchildren all attended Tattnall County schools and were active within their classes. Ashley and Laura Nelson were avid supporters of the school and attended many events in which their sibling, Olivia participated. Olivia was a member of the tennis team and the competition cheerleading squad with cousins Caylee Martin and Courtney Heilman. Olivia, Courtney and Caylee were members of the cheerleading squad for two years. One of those years Helen was quite brave and hosted a sleepover for all 18 cheerleaders at her house. Austin Martin participated in golf at TCHS and younger brother Tyler participated in cross country and baseball. Landon Heilman was also on the TCHS baseball team this past season. Younger grandchildren Blake Heilman and Avery Martin can be seen at most sporting events cheering on their family members!
Mrs. Nelson also instilled strong school pride within her children by encouraging them to support the local school system. Both son Ed Nelson and son-in-law Don Martin have served as PTO President in past years. Daughters Tara and Tracy can always be found assisting with BBQ dinners and other school fundraisers. Don Martin also served as Booster Club president in the past. Helen Nelson and her family have all been avid fans of the Tigers, Bulldogs and now the Warriors for many years and will be honored on September 16 as the grand marshal for the Homecoming parade.
The parade will be held in Reidsville this year beginning at 4:00 on September 16. For more information on the parade or how to enter a parade entry, please view the school website at www.tattnallschools.org or call 557-4374. All entry forms must be submitted by Monday September 13. Forms can be faxed to the high school (557-4542) or e-mailed to krcollins@tattnall.k12.ga.us. Be sure to show your support for the Warriors!
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Brandon Cortel Berry
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Keeparis R. Brown
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Carlos Andre Rucker
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Christopher Dean Rucker
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Four youths charged with theft by taking of a Kawasaki Mule
by DAVID AVERY
Staff Writer
Captain Stacy Wilds of the Reidsville Police Department arrested four young men on August 19 at a traffic stop in Reidsville. Christopher Dean Rucker, age 20; Brandon Cortel Berry, age 19; Carlos Andre Rucker, age 19; and Keeparis Ryesharvos Brown, age 20 were booked and charged with Theft By Taking involving a 2010 Kawasaki Mule that had been stolen in July. The four men, all of a Reidsville address, were carrying the mule on a trailer behind their vehicle. Anyone having information on any crime, please call the Reidsville Police Department at 557-4013 or the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Department at 557-6777.
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Bruce Aaron Black
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James Phillip Dechristofaro Jr
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Dillion Ray Phillips
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Three youths apprehended in Reidsville El Cheapo burglary
by DAVID AVERY
Staff Writer
According to Captain Stacy Wilds with the Reidsville Police Department, Dillion Ray Phillips, age 19, James Phillip Dechristofaro, Jr., age 20 and Bruce Aaron Black, age 18, were all apprehended by the Reidsville Police Department during the early a.m. (shortly after midnight) of Wednesday, August 25. All three young men were from Reidsville and were charged with a burglary that occurred at El Cheapo in Reidsville. Captain Wilds would like to thank Sergeant Cowart and Corporal Escovel with the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in apprehending the suspects. Anyone having information on any crime, please call the Reidsville Police Department at 557-4013 or the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office at 557-6777.
Tattnall County High School Warriors vs. Screven County on Friday, September 3 at HOME, 7:30 p.m.
