Software Purchase Proposal Faces Criticism From Commissioners

Commissioners lined up to shoot down support for software that would take a closer look at properties' cost of services in relation to tax revenue at the agenda-setting meeting Tuesday.

The updated analysis software is being offered to the county at a reduced rate of $15,000. The development authority and the have each pledged $5,000 toward the software, leaving the remaining $5,000 up to the decision of the commissioners.

“We've got nothing going on,” said Commissioner Chuck Horton, enumerating the low number of economic development in the county that the software would deal with. “To me, $5,000 at this particular time, that's a lot of money.”

One by one, commissioners hailed the benefits of the software but mentioned their concern about the price tag.

Said Commissioner Margaret Hale: “I don't see the end result being beneficial at this time.”

Commissioner John Daniell said it's a tool to “keep on the table,” but the timing wasn't right.

Commissioner Jim Luke agreed.

“Let's get our feet back under us, then let's do the study,” he said, adding that it's important to know exactly what additional benefits the price tag would net the county.

The software comes from University of Georgia's Jeffrey Dorfman, a professor of agricultural and applied economics.

Rusty Haygood, Oconee County economic development coordinator, outlined the benefits of the software, noting that the most recent Dorfman study in the county's possession is from 2000.

Haygood said the new software – which normally comes at a cost of $22,000 to $25,000 – could be updated periodically by county staff using guidance from Dorfman.

Chairman Melvin Davis said the software “has a great deal of merit.”

“I do think it's a good project, and one that will be beneficial for us to have," he said.

Citizens at the meeting showed support for purchasing the software.

“I'm not advocating spending money, but you're only paying for a third of it,” reminded Kate McDaniel of the Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission.

Russ Page, a founding member of the Oconee Partnership for Farmland Protection, said the time is right to invest in the software. He said the benefits of the software would far outweigh the price tag.

“I've sat out here for a lot of years,” he said. “And I know how easy it is for $5,000 to fly out the window.”

Commissioners will discuss it further at the next meeting on May 10. 

Also discussed at the meeting:

• A proposal was discussed to sell two 2-wheel drive mowing tractors on GovDeals, a government surplus auction website. The tractors would be sold with a minimum bid of around $20,000, and the revenue would help purchase two 4-wheel drive mowing tractors and a 7-foot bush hog, a piece of mowing equipment. The item was placed on the consent agenda.

• Commissioners discussed correcting a drainage easement for Franklin Grove. The current situation makes nearby lots difficult to build on, said County Attorney Daniel Haygood. He added the work would make the property more economically viable. The item will be discussed further at the May 10 meeting.