Dear Editor,
I want to congratulate Terrell Abernathy on securing another term as Putnam County tax commissioner.
Mr. Abernathy ran unopposed in this election, and while the salary is quite attractive, very few individuals are eager to take on the responsibilities outlined in the tax commissioner job description.
Mr. Abernathy will handle Putnam County’s taxation duties and responsibilities for at least the next four years, including being the tax receiver and collector. One responsibility that remains outside the tax commissioner’s purview is the levying of taxes. Only our county commissioners have the authority to set the county property tax rate (this excludes school taxes, which they do not control).
I am pointing out the various job duties because there were numerous posts on social media platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook regarding SPLOST No. 10, explicitly stating that higher taxes would result if it was not passed. Yet, to my shock and awe, several of these comments and a post came from Mr. Abernathy, our county tax commissioner.
He personally made the comments (there is no title with his name), yet we are a small county, and his name is on all our county tax paperwork. Seeing him so vocal on such a divisive issue was disheartening, especially given his position as an elected constitutional officer.
Although SPLOST No. 10 failed at the ballot box due to its tie to a $33 million bond, the situation is not as dire as some, including Mr. Abernathy, would have us believe. The previous board of commissioners was quite conservative in forecasting expected tax revenues.
Consequently, SPLOST No. 9, the current one-cent sales tax dedicated to special projects, will continue for approximately one more year, and we’re on track for overcollection of upwards of $10 million. What a fortunate position to be in.
Additionally, the county boasts a surplus fund balance exceeding $10 million. With time and the addition of two new county commissioners, I am optimistic they will work together to draft SPLOST No. 10 in a fiscally responsible way so voters can feel confident voting yes next time it is on the ballot.
Like many residents of Putnam County, I sincerely want the best for our community and look forward to seeing our elected officials, including Mr. Abernathy, fulfill their responsibilities with excellence, fostering a relationship of trust moving forward.
Sincere thanks, Jennifer Ray, Putnam County