BOC talks road conditions

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Saturday, February 19. 2011

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County commissioner Mike Youngblood read an overview of recent road department work on local dirt roads Feb. 7.

Youngblood and new commissioner Jim Escoe then offered differing views on the condition of one frequently discussed dirt road in the county — Waggoner’s Grove Church Road.

Youngblood read a portion of BOC chairman Anthony Dove’s regular road report Feb. 7. The report noted that after the recent snowstorm, four small dump trucks hauled gravel to 70 dirt roads from Jan. 17 to Feb. 4.

“During this time, we had haulers bring gravel in at a rate of 5,200 tons of rock, 212 tons of sand, 180 tons of #4 rock and 56 tons of #3 rock,” said Youngblood, reading Dove’s road report. “The cost for the gravel and sand was $35,507 and the haulers were paid $20,000.”

Youngblood said the report shows that the county has worked hard to improve the condition of dirt roads.

“The road department is doing everything they could do to make these roads passable,” said Youngblood.

Dove said the county recently conducted a dirt road count. He said there are 163 dirt roads, totaling 113 miles.
During regular road discussions, Dove asks each commissioner for road issues in his district. Escoe said he intended to ride Waggoner’s Grove Church Road but didn’t have a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Youngblood responded that he recently drove on the road at 35 mph and found it passable. He agreed that the road needs attention in places but added that he felt reports of the road’s poor condition had been overstated.

“It’s bad but not as bad as people are portraying,” said Youngblood.

“That’s your opinion,” said Escoe, who added that school buses had been stopped from driving down the road.

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#1 Resident Redneck on 02/19/11 at 08:31 PM [Reply]

Yeah Mike and I'm sure when you drove down that dirt road it hadn't been raining for a couple days straight either? Wait until it rains for a couple days and then try to drive down that same road doing 35 mph. and when you slide off the road YOU call Madison County Towing and YOU pay the wrecker bill since you say the road ain't as bad as people say it is?
IT'S TIME TO MAN UP and put YOUR money where YOUR mouth is?

#1.1 Anonymous on 02/20/11 at 10:23 PM [Reply]

I like the "MAN UP"!!! Mike Youngblood hasn't a clue!! I have to call several times in order to get gravel on my dirt road and then they don't do the whole road!!! What they pay to put gravel everywhere they could have paved the roads. Where does all our money go.....

#1.1.1 Madison County Dirt Road Tax Payer on 02/21/11 at 09:49 AM [Reply]

Our dirt road will get the road scraper ran down it and makes more ruts then we had before seems they don't know how to operate a scrap blade to smooth the road, when the gravel does so happen to show up it is a hit and miss things, they drop some move forward drop a little more and move forward until the run out at the end of the dirt road and when its gone so are they.

#1.1.2 Resident Redneck on 02/21/11 at 10:08 AM [Reply]

Anonymous- You just ask the question that all tax payers have been asking? WHERE DOES ALL OUR MONEY GO? And they don't have a clue. BUT I bet the roads they live on don't need ANY work. And every time you ask they say they spent the money on some other road BUT none of the roads are getting fixed that need it?

#1.1.2.1 E.J. on 02/25/11 at 06:37 PM [Reply]

Anyone who would like to know where all our money goes can ask the Board of Commissioners to show them the budgets, both current and past. When reviewing this budget, pretend that you are the ruler of Madison County and let us all know what, exactly, you would change that would better serve us all. It ain't easy!

#1.1.3 Anonymous on 02/21/11 at 10:39 AM [Reply]

When you CHOSE to live on the road, it was DIRT, right? And you KNEW IT WAS DIRT. Sounds like you should have CHOSEN to live on a PAVED road.

Folks, this is THE COUNTRY. We have DIRT ROADS. If you CHOOSE to live on a dirt road, YOU need to MAN UP and make sure you have the NECESSARY 4-wheel drive vehicle and stop WHINING for our tax dollars to pay for YOUR MISTAKE and BAD DECISION in where to live.

#1.1.3.1 Anonymous on 02/21/11 at 11:48 AM [Reply]

Can't everyone live the life of luxury like you. Comments such as yours are very unwelcomed and you should shut your mouth unless of course you are of Dove's puppets then this is typical Dove/Pethel stupid-ness.

#1.1.3.2 Anonymous on 02/21/11 at 11:51 AM [Reply]

While our wonderful Pethel came around begging for our votes, one of his promises was to put our road on the "list" to get it paved, what were we thinking, he would say anything to get your vote and never even think about following thru, you better believe I know better next time, un kept promises stick with you if you are thoe one being lied to and "used".

#1.1.3.2.1 Resident Redneck on 02/21/11 at 08:17 PM [Reply]

Yeah Anonymous Mr.wonderful Pethel DID PUT YOUR ROAD ON A LIST AS PROMISED but it wasn't the list to be paved it was the list not to worry about. AND I bet if PETHEL decides to run again next election he'll be right back to making the same old broken promises to get your vote again? And he'll keep playing that same game every election UNTIL THE PEOPLE get wise and make him do what he promises he will do BEFORE they vote for him?

#1.1.3.2.1.1 E.J. on 02/25/11 at 06:31 PM [Reply]

There is only one list and that list is very, very long. My road is on it but it will be years before we see pavement unless that new SPLOST thing generates good revenues.

#1.1.3.3 Anonymous on 02/21/11 at 11:57 AM [Reply]

Who is your dumb-%^& talking to? and we can read just fine you don't have to put some of your works in all caps.

#1.1.3.3.1 Resident Redneck on 02/22/11 at 07:08 PM [Reply]

well Anonymous- I was talking to the Anonymous who posted # 1.1.3.2 and I was making a POINT that's why I used the caps? Also if I thought you couldn't read it wouldn't matter if I wrote in ALL CAPS, all lower case, bold type,or crayons you couldn't read it? AND it looks like your dumb%*& needs something like spell check, or someone to proof read your post before you post them? Go back and reread your post one more time.Look at the last line it should have said WORDS IN ALL CAPS not works in all caps?

#1.1.3.4 Resident Redneck on 02/21/11 at 08:38 PM [Reply]

WAIT A FREAKING MINUTE Anonymous #1.1.3- So are you saying just because someone moves on a dirt road and pays their taxes JUST like you paved road dwellers they don't have the same rights for their taxes to keep their road up as you paved road people? You make about as much sense as the tax man would if he told everyone who lived on a dirt road in the county that he was going to charge them the same taxes as everyone else BUT their tax money would go tom fix the paved roads because the county no longer fixes dirt roads. Now how long do you think that tax man would stay in office?

#1.1.3.4.1 MC taxpayer on 02/23/11 at 08:19 AM [Reply]

To Resident Redneck : do you have that tax break on so call farm land that may not be really used that way so that I pay more. NOW that is unfair. Now told some areas want to do away with over 65 yr not paying school tax. Maybe others getting tired of paved roads but why should those who pay their more than fair share get taken. If you do not have that "fabulous" tax break that mud boggin mama notes about then I respect you and maybe problem then your neighbors.

#1.1.3.4.1.1 Resident Redneck on 02/23/11 at 12:50 PM [Reply]

MC taxpayer- NOPE I'm in the same boat most of you are BUT I UNDERSTAND how you people feel that live on dirt roads? I know how bad they get after a rain. AND I am also sick of paying taxes for road work to be done and when someone ask for a road to be fixed they say they don't have the money? WHERE DID ALL OUR TAX MONEY GO? Those who live on paved roads pay taxes to fix dirt roads in the county too and nothing is ever done. I would like to see my money go to where it was intended not in someones pocket.

#1.1.3.5 Anonymous on 02/21/11 at 09:59 PM [Reply]

Sounds like you live on a paved road!!!!

#1.1.3.5.1 Resident Redneck on 02/22/11 at 07:19 PM [Reply]

Yes I do live on a paved road NOW but I haven't always lived on paved roads.

#1.1.3.6 mud boggin' mama on 02/22/11 at 06:39 AM [Reply]

Yes, I knew the road was dirt when I moved here. But, at this point in the game, that remark is just plain rude. You are missing the point. As far as your "MAN UP' comments, I will! I'm going to man up and go get one of those fabulous tax breaks everyone is screaming about! If I can't recieve county services, then why should I pay top dollar taxes? I'll take that money and get a nice 4 wheel drive! I will also tell all 15 of my neighbors to do the same. Then Anonymous, you really will have something to write in ALL CAPS!

#1.1.3.6.1 Lover of Mud Boggin Mama's on 02/23/11 at 08:23 AM [Reply]

YES YES YES and get camo or maybe camo paint. I love seeeing strong women do that stuff. You mention tax break and think that is problem. Someone should get paper to check these breaks. Get on that 4 wheeler : go to tax office : ask for print out of tax break people and you may be surprised. OR go to members on BOA say in 2008/2009 and put their name with Madison County and will find voting on some things. Only if my wife would wear camo and 4 wheel. Would dear hunt not deer hunt.

#1.1.3.6.1.1 Missy MC on 02/23/11 at 11:45 AM [Reply]

I do not ride 4 wheeler and lord knows do not wear camo. But I hope that lady that does will check on tax issue which I do not understand as I pay taxes on my home and includes school tax and all. Unfair taxation to help others not American way nor MC way.

#1.1.3.6.1.1.1 Resident Redneck on 02/23/11 at 07:50 PM [Reply]

Missy MC- I agree with you. We pay taxes and others do not SO our taxes go up to make up for those who don't pay AND they don't care because they haven't been paying their taxes when they were at a lower price SO what makes anyone think they will pay the higher taxes??? AND if they take their homes and try to sell them who is going to buy them? AIN'T NOBODY GOT NO MONEY to buy homes right now?

#1.1.3.6.1.2 mud boggin' mama on 02/23/11 at 06:24 PM [Reply]

Thank you so much for your support! The only reason I mentioned the tax break is because everyone harps on it so much! The honest truth is this - it's a stinkin' dirt road! I am fighting with the B.O.C. over dirt! That makes no sense to me. I do not understand why they can't just listen to the resident tax payers and do something about it! Why does it have to be such a spitting contest?

#1.1.3.6.1.2.1 Another mud liking moma on 02/24/11 at 08:13 AM [Reply]

Harping good view. I harp on my spouse to do stuff. Harping over and over by people (at spouse with remote )suggests something to this tax break problem. Saw old time comment and did prior BOC person get it not rightly and if so how was that done and if done are their others ? Dirt roads all over MC and some need repair but takes money and PLEASE BOC do not tax me more. Guess my support of other canadates last election means I am not heard. Is that your case Mud bogger mama ? I like idea of you checking on that tax break also you mention and let us know what you find on your road and if you agree with those that got it.

#1.1.3.6.2 MC Conservation Tax view on 02/23/11 at 03:27 PM [Reply]

Mud Boggin mama : get one and let your neighbors pay. But if we all do this then no money for most things we need and Athens's city slickers not coming out here much anymore to pay top dollar for homes and land stuff so we can not tax them more. The Sam Bruce road example : if all roads and county bridges meet code money would be so tight that would not be enough. That is why school tax thing being voted on. I need to get one of those tax breaks you note also. Yep my land grows plenty of chiggers and ticks.

#1.1.3.6.2.1 mud boggin' mama on 02/24/11 at 05:53 AM [Reply]

Now ya'll should have figured out that I will not go get a conservation tax break...that's just talk! Why not? Because I have a conscience, that's why!
Why am I so evil for wanting to see a condition improve in this county? At this point - as I have stated before - a system needs to be in place for road issues. Some type of structure and criteria would be a vast improvement on the way things are done now!
Being stone-walled, ignored and insulted by the BOC is a county policy of dealing with road issues that needs to change!

#1.1.3.6.2.1.1 Resident Redneck on 02/24/11 at 09:51 AM [Reply]

mud boggin'mama- I agree people want to say negative things about you just because you want to see the money we pay in taxes go where it is needed most. I DON'T CARE if it's my road or some pig path dirt road if it needs to be fixed FIX IT and stop all the complaining and excuses? It is cheaper in the long run to fix it right the first time?

#1.1.3.6.2.1.1.1 Missy MC on 02/24/11 at 03:27 PM [Reply]

Resident Redneck : I do not see real critizism of mud boggin mama in posts. I think her XX view is OK and think her personal responsibility of paying fair tax great and maybe she should run for BOC. If in my district got my vote. That said Resident Redneck do you have that break that mud boggin mama mentions ? If do not then maybe you and she should hook up ( not literally as my daughter noting ) and look into this tax break. Even at church this was talked about recently. MY QUESTION TO THE POSTERS : why should we pay for others to have what we get without paying their fair share if not really farming or in farm business ?

#1.1.3.6.2.1.1.1.1 Resident Redneck on 02/24/11 at 05:51 PM [Reply]

Missy MC- I agree they say we have a fair tax system. HOW IS IT FAIR? When some people like us pay our taxes then you have people who get their tax bills and throw them away and not pay. Then people who pay their taxes fuss that our tax bill is to high? It is because they know we will pay our bills and WE have to make up for the dead beats in this county who haven't paid their taxes.
AND I don't get no breaks on NOTHING BUT if we were to try and be like the dead beats and not pay our taxes they would come to our homes and kick us out?

#1.1.3.6.2.1.1.1.2 Mud Boggin' Mama on 02/25/11 at 05:09 AM [Reply]

Good question Missy MC. Unfortunately, that is the problem with this whole nation. The ones who can truly afford to pay their fair share don't, and leave us (middle to lower income) holding the bill. The repeated phrase of the BOC, "no money", I find to be a poor excuse. I believe it is their job to find the money and use it wisely. If they can't handle that, then at least change the procedure for road maintenence and repairs.

#1.1.3.6.2.1.1.1.2.1 Missy MC on 02/25/11 at 08:50 AM [Reply]

I will ask my BOC about investigating this. You ask yours and maybe Redneck should to. I hear more people upset about this and did look on yahoo and put in some BOA names and Madison county from 2008. Then BOA stuff pops up and I read. See who got those tax breaks and I am going to ask several persons about this myself. Hope do not get poked in nose though. Also if person first or second motion knows the person should they be doing this first or second thing ?

#1.1.3.6.2.1.1.1.2.1.1 Resident Redneck on 02/25/11 at 08:38 PM [Reply]

Missy MC-The only problem with trying to find out anything about this is if 15 different people ask 15 people about this you will probably get 15 different stories and they will say they will look into it and NOTHING will be done. BUT I would like to know who all is getting the tax breaks? They should have to publish a list in the paper every year of who is getting it. I mean they publish a sex offender list why not a tax break list?

#1.1.3.6.2.1.1.1.2.1.2 u know dove on 03/05/11 at 10:40 AM [Reply]

As often as the top BOC man is in the Tax Assesor Clerks office you can get your answer all in one office.

#1.1.3.6.2.1.1.1.2.1.2.1 Anonymous on 03/22/11 at 09:27 AM [Reply]

she is free to do what she wants now, no matter if HE is or not.

#1.1.3.6.2.1.1.1.2.2 Resident Redneck on 02/25/11 at 09:05 AM [Reply]

I agree Mud Boggin Mama- I am sick of hearing "I'm sorry but we just don't have the funds to complete this project" It's their job to find the funds and not spend it like a 10 year old kid in a candy store? Also if the times are that hard for them to find the money what do they think about us the middle class citizens? Money is tight for us too BUT we find it somewhere to pay our taxes and the taxes of the dead beats in the county? I have seen in the past that most of the people who don't pay are wealthy and could pay? "That's why they have so much money BECAUSE they don't spend it? They either get tax breaks OR just don't pay and they are always looking to beat someone out of a dollar?
Now if this hurts anyones feelings? SO WHAT CHANGE AND WE WON'T TALK ABOUT YOU.

#2 Old Time Redneck on 02/21/11 at 11:13 AM [Reply]

OK boys : we want gravel and roads better. Yep but takes money. Some of us get that tax break for truly farming but not sure that is case of others. I have been reading other postings about this and maybe if fair share of taxes paid enough for all. A true farmer gets tax help so can give it to children or in bad years can survive to the next. Thought somewhere one of past BOC people had this break on small tract that would not really qualify for. If wrong there sorry. BUT if right how many more tracts. Time to RESPONSIBLE UP as far as I can see it.

#2.1 MC person on 02/22/11 at 08:28 AM [Reply]

Like Old Time Redneck view.

#3 Anonymous on 02/23/11 at 09:15 AM [Reply]

For some reason they don't seem to have a problem maintaining Cooper Rd and turning Sims Kidd Rd in to a "super" highway for Columbia Farms.

#4 Country Boy on 02/24/11 at 01:46 PM [Reply]

I love Dirt Roads

#4.1 Resident Redneck on 02/24/11 at 05:36 PM [Reply]

Country Boy- I love dirt roads to. I learned to drive on dirt roads BUT when it's raining and I'm trying to get home or get my kids to school I don't like the slipping and sliding?
Let's say it's been raining for a couple of days and I get up on Sunday morning make breakfast and get ready for church. I leave home trying to get to church and I slide off the road and flip over? If that don't hurt or kill me? After I crawl out all muddy and wet and they pull my car out SHOULD I go home and pray telling God it was the roads fault the reason I couldn't go to church to worship him?

#4.1.1 Country Boy on 02/25/11 at 10:29 AM [Reply]

It simple. You are not really a redneck if you can't drive on a dirt road in the rain. Move to the city where you belong. Leave the country to us country boys and girls. We love dirt roads.

#4.1.1.1 Resident Redneck on 02/25/11 at 08:53 PM [Reply]

Country Boy- I have no problems with dirt roads. It wouldn't hurt my feelings none if Madison County was all dirt roads BUT for Gods sake keep them up. I mean they can't keep up what dirt roads we have now? Think about if every road in the county was dirt? I can drive on dirt roads BUT would it be fair to risk the lives of my wife and kids on these dirt roads?

#4.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 02/26/11 at 12:14 PM [Reply]

Think about it - if the road is in bad shape, that forces one to drive really, really SLOW.
If you are putting lives at risk by driving on a dirt road, that means you just outed yourself as driving reckless and too fast for conditions and that is YOUR FAULT. And the folks driving too fast on wet dirt roads are what is what destroys the condition of the road to begin with.

Sounds like we don't need to send out the maintenance crew...we need to send a deputy to WRITE YOU SOME TICKETS and GET YOU OFF THE ROAD.

#4.1.1.1.1.1 Resident Redneck on 02/27/11 at 02:59 PM [Reply]

Hold up wait a minute Anonymous- IT DON'T MATTER HOW FAST YOU DRIVE on a dirt road if you hit mud YOU ARE GOING TO SLIDE So it don't matter if you are going 1 mph OR 50 mph the end result is you slide and when you slide you have no control.

#4.1.1.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 03/02/11 at 04:29 PM [Reply]

You don't know how to drive. You want to make the road safer? Then you stay off the road, that will make it safer right there.

#4.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Resident Redneck on 03/02/11 at 06:59 PM [Reply]

Anonymous- You really are an idiot. I don't care if it's Dale Earnhardt Jr. or Jeff Gordon when you hit mud it don't matter if you've been driving a week or 60 years YOU HAVE NO CONTROL over which way the car goes. AND if you think you do you then you are an IDIOT or very very STUPID.

#4.1.1.1.2 MC teacher on 02/26/11 at 03:18 PM [Reply]

Vote no school tax and force BOC to find the tax monies county due. I would vote yes if someone in school system requests BOC to look into various tax breaks, back property taxes and doing same for county if not done that Danielsville doing for employee's and what bought / petty cash etc

#5 Osley Mill Mud Boggin Citizen on 02/25/11 at 07:35 AM [Reply]

We live on Osley Mill Road in the Carlon area.I have lost count on how many times I have called asking for cravel on our road. Durng the week long snow storm, we had ruts so bad that even a 4 wheel drive truck slipped and spinned getting out. Yes, the bus could not come down the road until it dried out. Yes, they brought crush and run and dusted the ruts and yes they did fix one spot with some bigger rock but I am tired of mud boggin out every time it rains. Yes, I have live on a dirt road all my life in another county where they took very good care of the roads that school buses and the mail travel. Yes,I choose to live on this road for peace and quiet my land provides for me along with the wildlife but I pay around $2,000 in taxes each year and would like to see my road in better shape. It needs ditches in order for the rain to run off and not puddle up on the road. Yes my response is detailed and so was an email I sent earlier in the year to Mr. Dove who said we would get rock but I don't think they have gotten in a vechile and actually road those 163 dirt roads to see how they are. Why don't they do that the next time it rains to actually see what they are like. I am ashamed to drive my mud boggin vechicle to work because when I leave, you can tell I was there because I leave mud from Osley Mill Road in my parking space from where it washes off my car. We dirt road living citizens of Madison County just want our roads taken care of just like the county paved roads we travel each day. I bet if I called needing one of "our new Crown Vic patrol cars" and it was raining, they would hate to put it on our road. Before anyone makes a rude comment, yes for over 2 years, I drove a Crown Vic every day but when it rained for more than a day, I had to us my 4 wheel drive to get out. I am not puttin down the new cars, but think they should have shopped around for a better deal. Even govdeals.gov has some good deals on some great used law cars that would have worked for our county. I just want our government to stop and think about where our money is spent.

#5.1 MC land owner / tax payer on 02/25/11 at 10:58 AM [Reply]

With Sam Bruce road cost due to Pethel and his petition waving buddy and tax base not really increasing that much funds are and will be tight. One reason school tax which I would vote against as may force BOC to look into the conservation tax people talking about here and in public. Same tax that going around before our MC tax commissioner got tough and sent notices and that generated lots of money. You pay $2000 year : you probably do not have conservation tax break but if you do then maybe many more near you do too and why should I and others who pay taxes ( $4000+ for me and my acres without this tax break )to help you when it is very tough for me and family now . Look at Wisconsin and teacher union issues. Monies will get tighter and that is why Danielsville looking at employee spending. Collect taxes from those that can pay and should pay. That is fair.

#5.1.1 Osley Mill Road Citizen on 02/25/11 at 08:15 PM [Reply]

It is tough for all of us. I worry about those cildren who ride that bus day in and day out. That is my top worry. I have complained to the guys who are over the buses and they agree that the roads needs fixing and they get the same run around as the rest of us. I just want some good rock not the crush and run they put on the road. After this mornings rain the rock they did put on the road is covered in mud. I don't want a paved road but a safe road to travel on. That is what everycitizen wants.
I am glad to see the state fixing the pot holes on Hwy 98 in Ila.
My money is tight right now also. We do not get any tax breaks either. I agree if you owe taxes pay them but for many on a budget, that is tough with all the rising cost. Maybe a payment plan for them would help. We just want the county to look for some better ways to upkeep our roads.

#5.1.1.1 MC land owner / tax payer on 02/26/11 at 11:19 AM [Reply]

Yes and lets gravel and pave my road. There is not enough money. Children precious but blame people who can pay fair taxes not doing so and we saw that when MC tax commissioner forced in my view due to public out cry to get tough. Most paid and could pay as some my neighbors who drive better vehicles than I for example and more expensive deer rifle. Tax break now being talked about will force BOC to re study this issue as I think ( but hope wrong ) that there are those that took this break who did so just to well " just because they could " and they still demand more public services which wrong. Look who on BOA 2008 and 2009 and 2010 and look who got these breaks and see if you agree. Many are getting tired of this and I think school tax may not make it casue many feel voting it DOWN will make BOC get on this tax break. ALSO if code officer for these roads look at how people cut drive ways and all would that help your road if these people required to control run off correctly ? Just a thought there. That also may be issue for MC people.

#5.1.1.1.1 mud boggin' mama on 02/27/11 at 07:30 AM [Reply]

We built our home in 2008. When we cut our driveway we had to install pipes for the ditch. We were told what the minimum size requirement was and we asked for the maximum size. We wanted to do it right the first time (novel idea!). Out of 15 homes on 1.6 miles, 9 are stick built, all but 2 built since 2007. The owners of these homes more than tripled the value of their land - and only 2 recieve conservation use tax break. My opinion, 1 actually qualifies for it. If the B.O.A. handed out tax breaks like candy, it is their resposibility to fix the problem - not mine. "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar..."

#5.1.1.1.1.1 MC teacher on 02/27/11 at 10:38 AM [Reply]

2 out of 15 homes is about 14% getting this tax break and if 14% of county getting this it is hurting our tax basis and that is reason possibly need March school tax. Interesting. If 1 deserves it then about half the conservation tax breaks may not be well OK. I know the sample size less than 30 range for normal sample size but your data is interesting. Seems may be an issue. BOC needs to look at this. Maybe Mr. Cartwright who I did not vote for should appear and ask for this to be done. Other posters need to check their area as well.

Next : My land improvements also more than requried. My question mud mama is how many did like you and got code checks by code officer for example ? If fellow land owners cut driveways wrong of cleared off to much close to road you get water sediment on road.

You as well as others are so call new comers but you have increased our tax base and that is good and will help with progress. My next question for you is to check and see the 2 with tax break and see if they personally knew any of the BOA and if that is the case and that person did first or second not sure if correctly done or not.

People like you should run for BOC and believe it or not people will vote for you. People noted a prior BOC member NASH would never loose and he did.

Time for you to get what your taxes paid for and others not to use your resources when they have their own.

#5.1.1.2 Redneck Land owner on 02/26/11 at 11:33 AM [Reply]

Wife found this article and thought people may be interssted. Has this suggestion of parcel re-evaluation been done for all parcels including conservation parcels ? Will also try to see who got tax break and anyone who can help can cut and paste on this board. I may have supported Cartwright but now I want fair play. My property on dirt road could stand some care also. Thanks to Osley Mill road poster and Boggin Mama.

November 1BOA reviews ‘scathing’ state report while considering accuracy of 2008 tax digest
Posted by Margie Richards in News, Top Stories
Sunday, November 16. 20086. 2008

They stated that documentation needs to be developed to show how property values are determined, with this documentation made available to taxpayers and office staff alike. Policies of the BOA (particularly conservation use covenants) need to be reviewed and changed in order to be in compliance with Georgia law. Finally, the DOR suggested that there needs to be a complete and thorough update of all property records in order to equalize assessments throughout the county.

#5.1.1.3 Resident Redneck on 02/26/11 at 11:52 AM [Reply]

Osley Mill Road Citizen- You are right All we been hearing for years is "We have to put the children first Ok I agree SO Country Boy the roads need to be fixed. What happens if a SCHOOL BUS with 25 kids on it slides off one of these dirt roads because of the mud and flips over killing all 25 kids on the bus. Those kids were not driving so how could you say they needed to learn to drive on wet dirt roads and it wouldn't be the bus drivers fault either? Because when you start sliding in mud NO ONE IS IN CONTROL BUT GOD. You stop when and where he wants you to stop? And the reason Hwy.98 is being fixed is because Hwy.98 is a state route and Madison County has nothing to do with it.

#6 MC land taxpayor on 02/27/11 at 10:46 AM [Reply]

Found below on internet. None of these parcels near me. May be more parcels that could not copy and paste. Suggest all look it up before commenting.

Madison County Board of Assessors
PO Box 85 Board Members
Danielsville, GA 30633 Samantha Garland, Chairperson
(706) 795-6355 Larry Stewart, Vice Chairman
(706) 795-5715 FAX Jim Escoe
jflynt@madisonco.us Bob Fowler
David Ragland

Posted: September 12, 2008
Chairperson Samantha Garland ordered the regular call meeting of the Madison County Board of Tax
Assessor’s to order at 5:30 p.m. September 11, 2008 in the public meeting room of the Madison
County Government Complex. In attendance were Chairperson Samantha Garland, Vice Chairman
Larry Stewart, Board Members Jim Escoe, Board Member Bob Fowler, and Board Member David
Ragland. Also in attendance were Chief Appraiser James Flynt, Regina Coker, Stacey Sikorski, RC
Whitehead, Attorney RJ Huff, and Attorney Mike Pruett.

Conservation:
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Dale Staples on Map
0069- Parcel 001-G. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Dale Staples on Map
0069- Parcel 001-H. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Dale Staples on Map
0069- Parcel 001-K. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Preston Wright on Map
0069- Parcel 028. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Sam Middlebrook on Map
0074- Parcel 009. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Sam Middlebrook on Map
0074- Parcel 010. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Kenneth Witcher on Map
0074- Parcel 024. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Annie Haynie on Map
0075- Parcel 002. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Phillip Jose Smith on Map
0075- Parcel 006. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent. z Page 3 October 9, 2008
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Bob Fowler on Map 0076-
Parcel 021. Board Member David Ragland seconded the motion. A roll call vote was recorded as
follows: Chairperson Samantha Garland, YES; Vice Chairman Larry Stewart, YES; Board Member
Jim Escoe, YES; Board Member David Ragland, YES; and Board Member Bob Fowler abstain. The
motion was approve (4) four yes votes to (1) one abstain vote.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Steven Pulliam on Map
0076- Parcel 064. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Cynthia R Brown Lord on
Map 0076- Parcel 090. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Mark J & Carolyn Dalusky
on Map 0077- Parcel 016. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Mark J & Carolyn Dalusky
on Map 0077- Parcel 016-01. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed
with unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Tu V Tran on Map 0077-
Parcel 047-A. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with unanimous
consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for E R Hart Jr. on Map
0084- Parcel 005. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Angela Barnes on Map
0087- Parcel 037-A. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Jason Barnes on Map
0087- Parcel 037-A. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Terry Lawryk on Map
0087- Parcel 038. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Ronald D & Fern H
Pearson on Map 0087- Parcel 046. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was
passed with unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Vickie Irwin on Map 0088-
Parcel 020. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with unanimous
consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Terry & Gary Herring on
Map 0088- Parcel 042. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent. z Page 4 October 9, 2008
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Berry Vaughn on Map
0088- Parcel 072. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Danny & Alma Langston
on Map 0089- Parcel 015. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Berry Vaughn on Map
0089- Parcel 055. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Darrell Lawyde & Tonya
Meeks on Map 0089- Parcel 067-01. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was
passed with unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Avanell Hendrix on Map
0089- Parcel 071. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Roper David on Map
0097- Parcel 127. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Herschel Ginn on Map
0100- Parcel 010. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Alan King on Map 0100-
Parcel 011-A. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with unanimous
consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Ethel Allen on Map 0104-
Parcel 032. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with unanimous
consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Roger James on Map
0106- Parcel 001. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Keith M Callaway on Map
0106- Parcel 010. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Veneta Pruitt on Map
0111- Parcel 008. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Patricia Glenn on Map
0111- Parcel 065. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consent.
Motion was by Vice Chairman Larry Stewart to approve conservation use for Patricia Glenn on Map
0111- Parcel 065. Board Member Bob Fowler seconded the motion. Motion was passed with
unanimous consen

#6.1 Teacher on 02/28/11 at 10:04 AM [Reply]

WOW about list and if only for one meeting it is all I can think and if more then more WOW. How and who do I contact to get county to give me list of all conservation tax parcels please. Paul Harvey use to say " now you know rest of the story " and I would like to know more of this story.

#7 Cartwright supporter on 03/01/11 at 01:09 PM [Reply]

If lawyer on board how do we get this conservation tax thing looked into ? Do not want to call Cartwright to get this rolling.

#7.1 Resident Redneck on 03/01/11 at 06:53 PM [Reply]

Cartwright supporter- IF you ain't a current BOC butt kisser you don't have a chance of getting it????????????????????

#7.1.1 MC land owner on 03/02/11 at 03:35 PM [Reply]

I called my BOC and noted look into conservation tax issue. Apparently I am not now alone. Have you called Res Redneck and others ?

#7.1.1.1 Resident Redneck on 03/02/11 at 06:49 PM [Reply]

MC land owner- If they told you anything that is more than I ever get told. They always say we ARE looking into it or we WILL look into it. I am so sick of hearing those words.

#8 MC voter on 03/03/11 at 09:31 AM [Reply]

Yep if Dove does not look into this he will go the way of NASH. I called and noted my business has seen decline of non MC people due to economy which will not get better rapidily. No real buidling and the Athens people moving to Comer area for example WAY down. As expenses go up more tax monies will be needed. This conservation tax I find interesting as seems to be low radar issue unless you know about it. Seems even one BOA had his land get this tax by what posted and does this person farm or harvest trees ? POSTERS call BOC and post you have that way they can not say no one called and when I or others stand up during next election and note we did then MAYBE Pethel will really decide not to run. Do not want Cartwright either. AGAIN if Mr. Dove on this site I will not support you next time unless this looked into and I think more of my type voters now than I suspect tax break votes. Resident Redneck you call and you just post you called. Bet others follow you and maybe paper will realize good story here.

#9 Moral thought by church goer & MC land owner too on 03/03/11 at 11:19 AM [Reply]

If I qualify for the tax break issue but do not do it because I have children in public school am I a idiot. NO: I am not asking others to take up SLACK for me. If farmers need this that is OK but 10 acre with home and trees WHY ? Just because you can. THIS is problem and those of you that get this break and go to church what do you think GOD thinks of this if you are not truly using your land to farm or support farming or really cutting trees and making money.

#9.1 Mud boggin' mama on 03/03/11 at 03:30 PM [Reply]

How did a discussion about dirt roads get to the conservation tax? So much banter about who gets the break, but my question is...do they really get that big of a break if they don't own a lot of acreage? I was told at recent BOC meeting that $27 out of every $1,000 goes to roads. If that is the case, we are sunk and the commissioners aren't lying when they say there is no money for dirt road improvement.
Soon everyone will be screaming about the school special tax and the HB277 (if it makes it here). I will have a hard time picking one, may have to vote yes on both.
Many hands make light work...
Certainly I am burdened financially but I really can not see how constructive it is to point fingers at others. Correct me if I am wrong, but if someone has the conservation break the only way for the county to take it back would be in a court of law...hmmm...wonder how much that would cost the county. Maybe people could work for change in the system, change the criteria for anyone applying, not grant it when it runs out, but for the present I think we are stuck with it. I very well could be wrong, but honestly do not have the extra time to find out, for I am still trying to figure out how to get all the mud out of my bumper!

#9.1.1 MC also tax payer on 03/04/11 at 09:15 AM [Reply]

Mud boggin mama : like your post. I feel your fustration. Could some BOC person remain anonoymous and tell us how to look into this tax break or legal beagle type tell or give us guidance ? Could state come in and note reappraise all parcels ? Must be some way.

#9.1.2 Osley Mill Mud Bogger on 03/04/11 at 07:00 PM [Reply]

I agree with you on the fact that we will never get our roads fixed. With today's rain, all the rock they put down before is gone. It's covered in mud. The bus doesn't help the road on days like today when it comes a slow rain. It only makes the road slick and soupy. Just wish they would give us a better response and look for other ways beside the crush-n-run to but on our roads. If I remember correctly, a year or so ago one of the commissioners told the paper they were looking at some different ways. Oh well, maybe one day we will get lucky. Like you until the, I will keep trying to figure out how to wash all the mud from out from under my car.

#9.1.2.1 Resident Redneck on 03/04/11 at 09:22 PM [Reply]

Osley Mill Mud Bogger- AND it ain't over yet? Ken Cook said it was supposed to start raining Saturday and rain for 36 hours SO what mud you have now is only going to get worse?

#9.2 MC person too on 03/03/11 at 04:03 PM [Reply]

Lots of same parcel numbers ? Does this mean anything or does BOA make list up and just follow parcel numbers ? Interesting. Can someone tell me if the parcels listed are producing farm/chickens or tree type products which make land not usable for other things like parking lots of cars or letting birds live in trees ?

#9.2.1 Mud boggin' mama on 03/05/11 at 07:33 AM [Reply]

I love questions!!
First, go to the Madison County Government website, click on government, click on Property Records and Maps. If you enter the parcel number the info will come up. If you try it by name, I have found that to only use last name gets the best results. The site will tell you everything about that land even how big their house is (a little creepy, but neccesary) and list all buildings on property as well. The first 3 parcels listed are 5 and 6 acre lots owned by the same person - I thought that conserv. was only given to 10 acre or more...maybe because same person owns, they got the break. My question is, how much of a monetary break do they get? A friend has conserv. break and she said it only adds up to $100 or so. If that is the case, it just doesn't seem like such a big deal.

Moral thought by Church
Goer and MC land owner - I guess that the responsibility of teaching the next generation is up to folks like us. Too many outstretched hands - not many willing to work. I was raised by depression era parents who taught me that when the going gets tough - the tough get going! The thoughts you shared can go across the board for this nation. We are taught in church to help the needy - but who are the needy? I will flip burgers and clean toilets before I stretch my hand out to the gov't!

Second, if you put a sprinkler under your car and let it run about 20 minutes it will loosen up a lot of the mud that is stuck to those hard to reach areas! I even use a floor jack on the front and turn my tires all the way to one side and the other to get the rocks out of my wheels. I only do this when my van gets the "shakes" at higher speeds. You will find that a good portion of your road is stuck in there! Plan on getting really dirty!

Osley Mill Mud Bogger - Bruce Scoggins talked about alternative to crush and run, but I don't know what came of it. He was quoted in the March 4, 2010 Madison County Journal.

I hope my comments have been helpful -
Time to go mud boggin'...

#10 Very tight BUDGET MC on 03/05/11 at 10:41 AM [Reply]

You mention cleaning floors. I did that this morning so maybe if you cleaned floors you could walk in my shoes. $100 is big money to me. I think if someone reduced my home taxes $100 that would be nice. BUT I do not have 3 parcels together so guess this tax break person get the mine and I get the shaft. DOES someone know if combining lots get you this break ? If not I will call BOA/BOC. My friend says please look at some other 5 and 6 acre tracts and see what the taxes are where they do not get the break. What about a house on 50 acres without any chicken houses or crops but trees they may never cut. BET that is a big break. SO tax me and make it more difficult.

#10.1 Mud boggin' Mama on 03/05/11 at 08:38 PM [Reply]

Very tight BUDGET MC - Actually, I was talking about getting gravel and mud out from under a car, not cleaning floors. $100 is a lot of money to me too -
The point is - a lot of people got a break. Is it legit? Who knows! Can they live with their conscience? Who cares. Has our disapproval changed anything? Go ask your commissioner.
What are we (the ones without a break) going to do about it? We can blog all day long but that will change nothing. Anonymous says we need to go to the state level - do you have the time for that? I don't. 40 hours a week, kids to run all over after school, I can barely keep the dishes washed, let alone my car.
Our mill rate out here is not on the high end - just look it up. We're about in the middle. Austell running about 22 - Dekalb running about 44. I think I'll quit complaining about that!

I encourage you to investigate. There is wealth of information to be had, maybe even some solutions for this problem.

#11 Anonymous on 03/05/11 at 04:08 PM [Reply]

Conservation is a issue within this county because it is rural. People move here because of the rural nature of the county. Those people are also the people that are applying for conservation and receiving it. Also, those people are screaming because the millage rate is extremely high. You can't have it both ways.

I agree with the thousands of acres in conservation being a problem. I have experience in this field and the law is basically wrote for the property owner. If you want change in the overall system, you must take your concerns to a state level. The local BOA does not have any leg to stand on. They must follow the given rules and regulations.

The conservation convenants state that you must have 10 acres (BOC changes) and must farm, agriculture producing, etc. The catch is the law also states that you can apply for "wildlife" and recieve the benefits as well. Well, what is wildlife? Birds, squirrels, and dormant land. Yes. More than 10 acres you would probably get approved.

If any of you see someone on a large parcel that is in the conservation program, and they are income producing, that is a sure "no-No" and the tax office should be informed. Other than that, you must take these people to court, and break the contract on what basis? We are already paying the county attorney more than 200K per year to defend use, etc. We can not afford to take everyone to court that is maybe farming, maybe squirrels, etc. Wait until the contract expires and do not renew. Repeat, Do not renew.
Also, contingous parcels may be acceptable because they are basically a continuation of the main parcel. As long as the house is seperated off, because you can not receive credit for the home place, then the rest is probably qualifable.
I understand your feeling regarding this program, but the program is not the problem, it's the people. Don't scream for conservation and scream because the mill rate is so high....can't have both.

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