Barrow Co. cities look to end tax for sheriff's patrols

UNDATED - The mayor of Winder said it's time for his citizens to stop paying for a service they're not using: the patrols made by the Barrow County Sheriff's Department.

Mayor Chip Thompson said citizens in Winder, Auburn and Braselton pay for sheriff's deputies to patrol the unincorporated areas of the county even though they they don't live there.

"Right now that particular service is being paid for by all the citizens of Barrow County and should be paid for only by the unincorporated areas," Thompson said.

He said there are some services such as serving warrants and patrolling the jail that all citizens should fund.

Thompson said he doesn't know how much this would save taxpayers, but he said every little bit helps.

"We've just asked for a tax rollback inside our city limits for that particular amount so that they don't have to pay twice for that same service," he said.

Thompson said the mayors of the municipalities will meet with the Barrow County Commission chairman some time this week.