Burke County commissioners oppose proposed Hephzibah annexation

WAYNESBORO, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Burke County commissioners voted unanimously to oppose a proposed annexation by the city of Hephzibah, citing concerns about tax revenue, broadband funding and emergency services.Commissioner Rodney Braswell made the motion to adopt a resolution opposing the proposal, and Commissioner Tommy Nix seconded it. The board then voted unanimously in favor of the resolution.County Attorney Adam Nelson identified several potential effects of the annexation as part of the county’s review of the proposal, which officials said is required by the state legislature.The annexation could affect how revenue from the county’s FLOST and special purpose local option sales tax, or SPLOST, is distributed, county officials said. Nelson said Hephzibah had not offered a plan to address the potential loss of revenue.Officials also raised concerns about a broadband project in unincorporated Burke County. The county has invested in the project, including SPLOST funds, and received a