The goal is simple: reduce reliance on property taxes.
Real tax relief requires more than a slogan. McIntosh County needs a broader, more balanced revenue mix that uses lawful consumption-based revenue, growth-based revenue, fair user fees, grants, disciplined SPLOST planning, and responsible commercial growth.
On day one, I will introduce language to reduce property-tax reliance — not freeze it, not cap it, reduce it — while protecting core services and keeping the public informed.
Target shift
$4M Approximate reduction in property-tax relianceThe working target is to move property taxes from roughly 40% of the county revenue mix toward 30–32% over time.
Use SPLOST for capital needs
Capital projects should be moved into SPLOST wherever legally appropriate, reducing pressure on the general fund and property taxpayers.
Grow the right tax base
Responsible commercial activity can help capture revenue from economic activity and visitors instead of relying so heavily on local property owners.
Align fees with services
Fees should be reviewed for fairness and cost recovery, but they should never become hidden tax increases.
Make growth pay for growth
Impact fees and development-related charges should be studied and used where legally appropriate so new growth helps pay for the burden it creates.
Pursue grants aggressively
State and federal grants should be managed more actively, without using temporary money to create permanent obligations.
Control costs
Tax relief depends on spending discipline. Every department should be expected to justify costs, measure outcomes, and respect taxpayers.
A better revenue mix means less pressure on property taxpayers.
The goal is to reduce over-reliance on property taxes by broadening the revenue base.
The target model lowers the share carried by property taxpayers.
More of the load moves to broader, growth-based, and service-based revenue.
Current estimated model
Target model
Not freeze. Not cap. Reduce.
No gimmicks. No hidden tax increases.
Tax relief only works if it is honest, sustainable, and transparent. This plan is built around clear guardrails.
The bottom line
McIntosh County needs tax relief that is real, measurable, and responsible. That means reducing the burden on property taxpayers while building a broader revenue base, using SPLOST properly, improving cost recovery, pursuing outside funding, and growing responsibly.