Dear Editor,
The recent letter regarding Liberty County’s budget raises valid concerns about spending and taxation. However, before concluding that Liberty County has a spending problem, it’s important to consider the unique financial pressures our county faces. Understanding these challenges — and the services they support — can help us have a more informed and productive conversation.
The development of the County’s annual budget is a rigorous and collaborative process that runs from March through May. During this time, County staff and the Board of Commissioners (BOC) commit significant time and effort to ensure the budget is both fiscally responsible and aligned with the County’s strategic priorities. This process includes meetings with all department heads and elected officials to review budget submissions. Any department requesting a major increase in funding must present its request directly to the BOC.
For FY26, original budget requests totaled $69.2 million. After thorough evaluation, more than $3.55 million in reductions were made to bring the proposed budget within the County’s financial means. It is important to note that the County cannot feasibly fund all requests received each year. As such, difficult decisions must be made to prioritize resources, ensuring that the final budget reflects a balanced, sustainable financial plan that best serves the needs of the community.
Like many residents, I care about how Liberty County spends its money and how decisions affect our taxes. But we also need to recognize that local government doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Many of the services we now rely on didn’t exist a decade ago. The question isn’t just “Why are we spending more?” — it’s also “What are we getting for it?”
Liberty County spans approximately 600 square miles — of which nearly 185 square miles are occupied by Fort Stewart. That’s roughly 30% of our county’s land rendered non-taxable due to its federal military status. While Fort Stewart is a vital part of our identity and economy, this limits the available tax base significantly.
Add to that our high exemption levels — from military and disabled veteran property tax relief to the KDW exemption and Freeport exemptions for industry. These exemptions, while honorable and beneficial to specific groups, are outpacing real growth in the county and shrinking the pool of taxable property.
This leaves a smaller group of taxpayers — largely residents and small businesses — shouldering the cost of essential services that continue to expand for our growing community.
Two key examples include:
• EMS: Prior to FY 2022, EMS was operated by the hospital and was under-resourced. In many areas, calling 911 resulted in no ambulance showing up. The County took over this responsibility, building a dedicated EMS department and significantly mproving emergency response. Chairman Lovette himself has acknowledged the vast difference this has made in people’s lives.
• Fire protection: Over the past seven years, the County transitioned from a mostly volunteer fire department to a professional, staffed fire department. Again, this wasn’t luxury spending — this was to ensure people had someone to call when their house was on fire or a loved one was in danger.
Both EMS and Fire, along with our robust Sheriff’s Office, help to create a safer environment for all of our residents.
The County has also taken on costs for community programs that others have declined to fund:
• Summer Food program: Although the Board of Education does not offer any financial support and grant funds consistently fall short, the County ensures that all schoolaged children are provided meals during the summer.
• Live Oak Library – Midway/ Riceboro location: The cities of Midway and Riceboro contribute less than $30,000 combined toward operating a library that costs over $300,000 each year to operate, with the County funding the remainder.
• Recreation programs: To keep fees low for families, the County supplements the shortfall in operational costs — making youth sports and community activities more accessible.
Despite these obligations, the County lowered the millage rate last fall, showing it is aware of the tax burden and committed to easing it where possible. We hope to be able to do that again this upcoming fall.
However, if we want a long-term solution to reduce property taxes, one clear path forward is the proposed FLOST (Floating Local Option Sales Tax) that will be on the upcoming ballot in November 2025. This would shift dollar-for-dollar a portion of the tax burden to sales tax, including purchases made by visitors and non-residents — relieving pressure on homeowners and small businesses.
The Commissioners, whose actions are being questioned, were duly elected by the voters. If you’re dissatisfied with their decisions, the best way to create change is to make your voice heard at the ballot box.
Criticism is healthy, but it should be informed. Liberty County isn’t spending recklessly — it’s making strategic investments in safety, accessibility, and quality of life to support a growing population. Let’s keep the conversation going around the table where both parties can find solutions that build a stronger community for all.
Sincerely,
Liberty County Administrative Team