A candidate for Floyd County Commission Post 5 is emphasizing property tax relief, employee compensation, regulatory reform and recreation improvements as central themes of his campaign.
Ronnie Kilgo, a Republican seeking the Post 5 seat, says Floyd County currently has higher property taxes than several surrounding North Georgia counties, including Bartow County, Gordon County, Whitfield County, Paulding County, Cherokee County, Chattooga County, Fulton County and Cobb County. He argues that some of those counties, despite lower property tax rates, are able to offer higher pay for government employees and expanded youth sports facilities.
Kilgo, who describes himself as a conservative Republican, said his priorities include lowering property taxes, reducing regulations and improving pay and benefits for county employees. He said he is the only candidate in the race who has worked full time on the county payroll while supporting a family.
According to Kilgo, Floyd County employees have historically been paid at the lower end of government pay scales, which he believes has made it easier for state, municipal and private employers to recruit experienced workers away from the county.
Kilgo has served 12 years as a volunteer on the Rome-Floyd Planning Commission. He said that experience has given him insight into the needs of contractors, homeowners and local industries. If elected, he said he would focus on reducing what he describes as burdensome regulations.
He also identified youth recreation facilities as an area needing attention. Kilgo said parking and capacity issues at existing ball fields and sports complexes create challenges for families participating in county recreation programs. He said the county should consider expanding facilities or improving current venues to better accommodate demand.
The Floyd County Commission Post 5 seat is up for election this year. Kilgo encouraged voters who are concerned about property taxes and county operations to participate in the upcoming election.
