A Look at the Revised Numbers for Newton Co; Proposed Budget Now Slightly Less

 Greetings, Readers, and welcome back to TPC. 

Your Source for the REAL Story! 

So a few days ago I delved into the initial proposed budget for FY (fiscal year) 2026 which was going to be a 13.4% increase over FY 2025. Naturally, many - this writer included - were not impressed. 

After a bonafide push spearheaded by BOC Reps LeAnne Long & Edwards to really get serious about making some cuts I'm happy to report that the revised proposed budget is certainly better than the initial. More are needed, naturally, but it's definitely a start. 

Current Proposed FY 2026 Newton Co Budget 

Overall: approx $108.7 million representing a 9.3% increase year-over-year (initial budget was $112.8 million representing a 13.4% increase).

So they found $4.1 million to cut. 

Time for a quick aside. There's some confusion to what number, exactly, we're talking about when we are discussing the "budget." There's a larger number that includes things beyond the BOC's control & appropriations, as well as other revenue sources not under the purview of the governing body. So for the purposes of our discussion, the $108.7 million number is what we're looking at. 

Let's take a closer look at the two departments/offices which saw the majority of the reductions of the increases:  

• *The Big One* Sheriff's Office. Overall budget: $19.36 million (5.36% increase over FY 2025); Original proposed budget was $21.5 million representing a 16.92% increase). Obviously one cannot overstate how big this was! Over $2 million less in spending. That was right at 1/2 of the overall decrease. 
  
  
• **The Other Big One** Jail Operations (under the purview of the Sheriff). Overall budget: $15.84 million (1.79% over previous year). Original proposed budget: $17.25 million representing a 10.8% increase. Approx $1.4 million was shaved off. A quick check of the math will tell you that these two line items were most all of the cuts. 
  
  
  

And another aside. Word on the street is that Ezell is PISSED! And apparently he's reached out to interim Madam Chair about it (birds of a feather & all). WTC, anyone? 

Stay tuned for more on this developing situation...

A few departments & offices saw no reductions from the original proposed budget such as Tax Commissioner & Tax Assessor. Both of those line items are still set to increase over 12% (that's way too high!).

Fire Services' rate of increase was tamped down just a bit but is still over 8% higher than the previous year w/ an overall budget of over $15 million. 

Fleet Maintenance is still at over a 20% increase from FY 2025. 

And finally, why is Public Works budgeted for a 46% increase of $2.6 million? What's up w/ that? I'm going to reach out to some folks about that one to see if there's a specific reason for it. 

And one more quick thing. Retirement benefits. They're killing us! Up over 30% in many departments. 

Sad. 

I appreciate the Board's work so far, but they've still got a ways to go in my estimation.

Remember to reach out to your representation. 

Stay Tuned. DEVELOPING... 

- MBM 

A Closer Look into the Newton Co FY 2026 Budget

In re the FY 2026 Newton Co GA budget:

Overall proposed budget of $112.8 million (13.4% increase over previous year)

- 20.74% increase for Fleet Maintenance (overall budget: $2.15 million) - 13.29% increase for Tax Commissioner’s office

- 12.94% increase for Tax Assessor’s office (overall budget: $1.54 million)

- 12.02% increase for Facilities Management

- 10.8% increase for Jail Operations (overall budget: $17.25 million)

- 17.53% increase for Cornish Creek

- 16.92% increase for Sheriff’s office (total proposed budget: $21.5 million) - 9.31 % increase for DA - 8.81% increase for Fire Services (overall budget: $15.05 million). There are several other department, most all of which are also seeing increases.

To be fair, we did see a handful of decreases. The Clerk of Superior Court & the Landfill have proposed budgets lower than last year. So, good on them, for sure. Though, regarding the Clerk's office, that's only because Linda Hays is no longer in that position. W/ her 40+ yr tenure, she was making way more than Finney currently is.

The BOC did as well but not really. They’ve separated out the County Manager’s office as its own line item. Factoring for that, the BOC’s budget will actually be increasing. By the way, the County Manager proposed budget is approx $525K. That's for the salary of the manager, his assistant & the county PR guy, as well as their benefits, and other expenses (sounds a little high) The biggest thing, for me, are the crazy increases in retirement benefits across the board. Most departments I've looked at are increasing that line item by from anywhere from 10-30%. Insane.

Remember, all of this is “proposed.” But it’s crunch time now. Let your BOC representation hear about it. Any good news? Yes, actually. LeAnn Long & Stan Edwards, BOC Reps 5 & 1, respectively, have stated that major cuts have already been made & that there is a consensus on the Board to get those done. The numbers will change & get better (thank God for small favors, eh?); however, I'm still expecting a net increase on property taxes. We'll know a lot more after Tuesday evening when they have the next budget meeting. DEVELOPING... #staytuned - MBM

[Past Piedmont Chronicles] -- Three Musicians: Remembering Jazz Pianist & Friend, Paul Mitchell

 *originally published 2/29/2020

By Ellis Millsaps 

For some reason, or maybe no reason, serendipity perhaps, I've been good friends with three outstanding musicians. Faithful readers know about Bruce Hampton and Marshall McCart. Today I am moved to write about the third.

 Paul Mitchell was a brilliant jazz pianist. I worked for years alongside the Paul Mitchell Trio at Dante's Down the Hatch in Underground Atlanta. Paul died in 2000-- he graduated from Morehouse College with a degree in music when I was 6 months old-- but if he were alive today and met me on the street I'm sure he would peer deeply into my eyes and say ”Is that you Ellis?” He wouldn't mean he wasn't sure who I was; He’d mean as he always did when he put that question to me,” Are you in there Ellis? Is this who you want to be? I believe you have gifts you haven't yet displayed.”

Often he’d ask me this question when he, Bo Newton, John Thacker (managers at Dante’s) and I would be smoking marijuana after hours (and Dante gone home) at Dante's or sometimes in the parking lot while it was crazy busy inside. How did the pretty boy hillbilly from Jacks River and the black genius from Decatur find themselves so situated?

After college Paul enlisted in the Army where he played trumpet in the US Army Band for three years. After the Army he taught himself to play the piano. In the 1950s Pascal’s, the famous gathering place for civil rights leaders, opened a nightclub, The Carousel, where Paul played. Dante first heard Paul’s trio at the Playboy club in the sixties and when he opened the Hatch in 1970 he hired that trio as his house band, a gig they held for decades.

 I came to Dante's in 1971 because my then roommate, Owen Meislin, who worked there, told another of my housemates, Tom Gallo, ( now a partner in an Atlanta law firm) that Dante had an opening for a busboy. Tom made $35 a week cleaning his father's office supply store. He asked if he could make that much at Dante’s. Owen told him he would make more than that in one night. Tom, a cautious individual, declined but I, a financially strapped Emory student, said I’d take it. Pretty soon I was rolling in money, buying a half dozen rock and roll albums at a time,( I still have a vast collection from that era) taking beautiful young women to expensive restaurants and giving away money and drugs to my friends in need.

 Dante Stephensen, a former Navy SEAL, somehow after a divorce found himself in the restaurant business as a maitre d at a busy Atlanta restaurant where he charmed guests into investing in his envisioned Dante's Down the Hatch. That done, he enlisted Paul Mitchell and his trio as the house band and set upon a remarkable run of success.

 Dante had a genius concept. He installed the city's finest wine list with a variety of cheese trays and fondue in a brilliantly conceived and executed setting, this at a time when Underground Atlanta was entering its heyday as a tourist attraction.

 Dante's would have been a success in those early days in underground regardless. but when other venues developed comparable wine lists and underground became known as too dangerous for tourists, Dante's not only survived but was able to rebuild  the ship in prestigious Buckhead digs. He would not have been able to do that without Paul Mitchell. It was Paul who established Dante's as an Atlanta institution with a faithful following, tourists be damned.

 Paul wrote successful original compositions (not only for himself but others) which drummer Alan Murphy sang in a beautiful rich baritone, but it’s the covers I most often remember, particularly the Eagles’ “Desperado”. Paul told me that the first time he heard that song he cried because those California boys so poignantly described the state of his life at the time.

(Years later I saw Alan Murphy playing drums and singing with a lesser band on the square in Covington at one of those Thursday lunch concerts. We warmly acknowledged each other but with an undertone of embarrassment. We both knew our glory days were behind us. Being a busboy at Dante's was a much richer life than being a successful small town lawyer.)

 I know very little of Paul's private life. He was a proud and dignified man but in many ways very private. I do know  obliquely that at one time he thought his life a prison where he was” walking through this world all alone.” For most if not all the time I knew him Paul taught music in the Atlanta school system, this in addition to playing jazz six nights a week until the morning hours. He was later adjunct professor of music at both Emory and Morehouse.

 He rubbed shoulders with leaders of the civil rights movement. I once heard him say,( and although I intuitively already knew it  I had never heard anyone say it ) that things began to really change for the better in the civil rights movement when young white people started smoking marijuana. 

- Ellis Millsaps

Home County Tax Assessments Are In - Major Increases Once Again; Budget Time is Here

[State of Georgia]
[Newton Co., GA ]

 It's that time of year again. When the tax assessments hit everyone's mailboxes in the latter part of May (most of the time) & then all local governments (BOC, BOE & various municipalities) finalize their budgets for the upcoming fiscal year beginning July 1. 

There's been much discussion about the BOE not opting in to HB 581, meaning there's no cap on the percentage of increase of assessed value vs the Newton BOC which did. 

First off, this is a bit of a misleading thing.

For the BOC M & O (maintenance & operations)/Budget, while there is a cap on the increase to valuation (meaning they'll be applying their millage based on a lower tax base), they can simply bump up the millage to where we'll most likely be seeing a tax increase regardless. 

On the flip side, theoretically, even w/ higher assessments & therefore a higher tax base, the school tax could theoretically drop if they dropped the millage rate enough (yeah, LOL. I know, not going to happen...). 

What I'm getting at is that the whole HB 581 thing is somewhat irrelevant. 

At this point the big things obviously are: 

- having reasonable fair market values calculated by the Tax Assessor's office leading to reasonable tax assessments

- (the big one) all local governments getting serious about getting lean & efficient in order to sharply reduce their budgets in order to get overall ad valorem taxation down

It's the second thing that is key, naturally, and it's not currently happening. 

As Citizens for A Better Newton pointed out last week, Newton taxpayer will be seeing the BOE tax going up considerably due to adopted $265 million budget for a school district w/ flat enrollment & poor performance. An approx increase of of 7.5%. 

Some of this is beyond the control of the elected members of the BOE, but a good amount is not. 

And as many know, that's the lion's share of any property's tax bill -- the school tax. 

Shifting gears, 

The Newton Co BOC has their FY2026 Budget Presentation meeting tonight at 6pm before their regular meeting starting at 7pm at the Historic Covington Courthouse. 

We'll know a lot more once all of this information is gotten. 

Later in the month, they'll be adopting the millage. Folks really need to put some pressure on their Commissioners to see if all departments can cut some more so the millage can get as low as possible so as to get those tax bills as low as possible.  

Click here to get the contact info for all members of the Newton Co BOC. 

I'll be delving into the all the numbers once everything is live later this evening (will probably take me a day or two to get a piece out). 

I'm also going to be looking further at the BOE budget & eventually the City of Covington once they have a proposed budget. 

On a final note, right now it's looking as if the value of the entire tax base (tax digest) will be increasing, depending on various estimates, in the range 6-12%. Frankly, I'd be shocked if it's as low as 6% based on numbers I've been hearing from numerous property owners. I'm thinking it's probably going to be around 10% which, as many know, is ridiculous. The days of 10% per annum increases in market value is no longer occurring in the REAL Real Estate world. 

'til next time, 

MBM 

Is the City of Social Circle Guilty of "Annex Abuse?" Taking a Look at the Past & Present of this Issue

 The City of Social Circle seems to have a reputation. A reputation of "Annex Abuse." 

"Greatest Little Town?" 

And I'm not being hyperbolic here, folks. The Georgia Association of County Commissioners actually leveled that charge against this municipality years ago. 

They also seem to have a track record, as well as an M.O., when it comes to raising revenue, gobbling up land & taking over large swaths of our beloved home county of Newton Co, GA. 

It started a couple of decades ago in the mid 2000s. 

Back when "The Circ" first started annexing Newton Co land, the conventional wisdom was they were doing so as to be able to patrol sections of I-20 w/ their municipal police force in order to raise revenue for a city that had financial issues at the time. 

Fast-forward to now, and to paraphrase the words of Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap fame, this particular political subdivision has apparently turned things up to eleven (11). 

Just in the last few months, Social Circle has annexed three parcels comprised of upwards of 800 acres of Newton Co real estate & have recently voted to add more, w/ another annexation petition imminent. 

These actions have consequences. Over the years Newton officials have publicly stated that these annexations have adverse effects on the Newton Co BOE, as well as other county services such as police & fire.

Regarding these recent developments, some I've spoken to say the ultimate reason is that these people have no real skin in the game.

All of these annexations (and current attempts on annexations) are quite a ways from their precious, beloved downtown district. According to some, they simply don't care. It's just apparently "all about the Benjamins." 

They simply want the tax money. 

And if so the case, that's so profoundly sad. 

So, mindful of this 20-year history, many in the home county are quite grateful & supportive of the Newton County BOC saying basically: 

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! 

And also basically saying:

We can tie you up in the courts for years if need be. 

- MBM 

P.S. for those not in the know, the recent developments have to do w/ data centers (power & water wasters) & truck stops (breeding grounds for drugs & lot lizards) 

P.P.S Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

Further Info: 

https://www.covnews.com/news/county/newton-county-commissioners-vote-oppose-covington-annexation-request/ 

https://www.facebook.com/electlongdistrict5/posts/latest-update-on-the-proposed-data-center-at-708-hwy-11newton-county-has-been-no/122223924020228129/

Or simply Google: Social Circle Annexation of Newton County, GA 

An Important Communique from Newton Co, GA BOC 5 Rep LeAnne Long

 Hwy 11 Data Center Update:

*** East Newton and Concerned Citizens**

It's a long post, but very important!! Please share!!

●We need your support to attend

a crucial planning and zoning meeting set for Tuesday, April 22, at 6 PM in Social Circle at the Community Room

138 East Hightower Trail/ behind the Police Station.

Let's pack the house!!!

*Any action taken by Social Circle could greatly impact OUR Newton County community.*

In February, the Newton County Planning Commission tabled a data center request to facilitate a town hall meeting and gather citizen input. This meeting was canceled on March 11th by the developer TPA with no explanation.

Now, due to recent events, we have an unexpected turn....

As Newton County was preparing for the town hall, Social Circle suddenly "claimed jurisdiction" over the property site, referencing a dubious annexation from 2010.

Yes, 15 years later!!

Without any notice or knowledge , to leaders in Newton County, Social Circle quickly reached out to the developer and voiced their support for a quick rezoning for industrial use and data center- Even though this property has been under Newton County’s jurisdiction for the past 15 years.

Once again, all of this was done without notice or discussion with Newton County.

Now, lots of lawyers are involved -

Keep in mind that there are no records indicating property taxes have been paid to Social Circle on this site or several others (for 15 years).

• The site was not included on previous land use, zoning, or tax maps for Social Circle until March 12th of 2025. At the same time, a rezoning sign was placed on the site from Social Circle, blocking the Newton County Zoning sign.

This assertive action by Social Circles' leadership will most likely result in years of costly litigation that the courts will have to resolve, all paid with tax dollars.

That’s why it is imperative for us to attend and voice our concerns. We need to prevent this overreach and safeguard the interest of Newton County.

WHY is this important:

•If and when the property on Hwy 11 is developed, with Newton County—not under Social Circle’s jurisdiction.

•Newton County citizens should benefit from the tax revenue, impact fees, and have a say in any project design.

•Annexation could continue on Hwy 11 North and South of I-20, bringing more industrial projects diminishing our property values.

I’m tirelessly advocating for our community every day, but I need your support this time.

Please join me and others on Tuesday, April 22, at 6 PM in Social Circle, for the Planning Meeting.

Let’s ensure our voices are heard,

and when developments arise—and they will—we must protect unincorporated Newton from annexations.

I am NOT in favor of ANY annexations-

If you reside in Social Circle, be aware that your small town is and will countiine to undergo significant changes due to the influx of industrial projects surrounding you, encouraged by your leadership.

Stand up & Speak up!

See you all Tuesday at 6 pm

Have a great Easter.

llong@co.newton.ga.us

District 5

TPC Check-in 3/27/25: Talkin' WTC; Atty Lindsey; Odds & Ends - Data Centers & Water

 Greetings, Piedmonteers, & we sure hope it's fine as wine for everybody out there; or, at a minimum, as dandy as candy. 

So, what's the buzz? 

Tommy Craig 

William Thomas "Tommy" Craig, Esq. (WTC)

Well, I've looked over pretty much all available public documents regarding the old feller's bankruptcy proceeding. 

As is almost always the case w/ someone declaring bankruptcy, a large majority of his debts are being discharged & that, naturally, is a bit bothersome, concerning & confounding, considering, just from the home county alone, he's made upwards (above?) $25 million over the last few decades. 

So therefore, the question is begged: 

Where the Hell did all of that money go???

Reading through the documents there are certainly some oddities there, particularly having to do w/ some of his family members being involved w/ the settling of this situation; however, I'm not going to get into that at this point (things might change if a particular family member were to become county attorney or something similar). 

But for anybody wanting to get additional info on all of this, all of this is public information. So, w/ collegiate gusto & zeal, I'd recommend anyone & everyone to get after it! Put on your Citizen Journalist hat. Perform a Mitzvah, as some my ancestors would've said, & do the things you should be doing in order to be a productive member of society! 

Do Your Part!

Also, in re: Craig 

Was talking w/ one of the Network Chiefs just earlier today regarding the former "caustic county attorney."

Craig did indeed always hold himself w/ quite a level of aplomb, no doubt, coming across as graceful & cordial in a manner that would oftentimes ingratiate himself w/ many. Also, apparently, he always had powerful powers of persuasion. It is, in this writer's estimation,  how he was able to do so many of the the things he was able to do. 

Moving on... 

Attorney Stephanie Lindsey 

My, my, my. 

Wow. 

A moment of weakness? 

The pressure of the moment? 

She, possibly having had her "Charley James" moment, and just basically not giving a Fv<K anymore? 

Sidebar: 

As prescribed by state law, the Sheriff, Clerk of Court & the Probate of any particular county decides who the Legal Organ - the "paper of record" - is for that particular county (the newspaper that gets a bunch of money from that local government to run all the legals).

 As is obviously the case (and has been for years), 
  if the Covington News didn't have Legal Organ status they would've been out of business many, many years ago. 

Just a quick sidebar.

You understand. 

Odds & Ends 

The attempt of the Great Selling Out of Newton County continues, and we're not just talking subdivisions & apartment complexes here, folks. 

Those data centers, though. 

Most folks can't wrap their heads around the sheer volume of water that those things require. 

Water

The lifeblood of life. 

We're very fortunate that we have such a multitude of riches when it comes to water in the GA Piedmont, particularly w/ sub-surface water; however, if we keep approving these damned things, that may very well (and quite likely) will not be the case for much longer. 

Okay, then. 

Best, 

- MBM