By a unanimous vote of the Valdosta City Council a 27 percent increase in property taxes has been enacted. This is only the second time in 22 years that city leadership has voted to increase the property tax rate. One of the major factors in the leaderships decision making was the need to increase the pay scale for some city employees.
The U. S. Department of Education has awarded a grant to Valdosta State University that will aid the institution in offering higher education opportunities to migrant or seasonal farm workers. The total amount of the grant is $2.1 million dollars and the installments over a five year period will come to $424,833 annually. The award will cover room and board, tuition and fees, supplies, transportation and a stipend to be given monthly. The program will also provide counseling, mentoring and tutoring to a total of 25 students.
Governor Nathan Deal made a stop in Valdosta to endorse Republican Deidra White who is a candidate for the legislative post representing District 177. That seat is currently held by Democrat Dexter Sharper.
