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Board of Commissioners

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1. Do the Commissioners have an office in the Courthouse?

Sumter County Commissioners are part-time and may have other jobs in the community and are not at the Courthouse on a daily basis. The County Administrator is charged with handling the day-to-day operations of the County. County Administrator

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Circuit Public Defender

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1. What types of cases does the Office of the Circuit Public Defender provide representation for?

Criminal cases being prosecuted in the Superior Courts of all the counties in the circuit as well as in the State Court of Sumter County.

Juvenile delinquency cases being prosecuted in the Juvenile Courts of all counties in the circuit.

Probation revocation proceedings in the Superior Courts of all the counties in the circuit as well as in the State Court of Sumter County.

Direct appeals of the types of cases listed above.

2. What types of cases are not covered by the Office of the Circuit Public Defender?

Many other types of criminal or quasi criminal cases, including, but not limited to:

Contempt cases (such as failure to pay court-ordered child support)

Temporary protective orders, restraining orders, peace bonds, and the like

Juvenile deprivation cases

Appeals after the initial (or direct) appeal

Habeas Corpus proceedings

Matters dealing with conditions of confinement or credit for time served issues

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Clerk of Superior / State Court

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1. What are your civil filing fees?

Superior Court - $205.00 (payable to Clerk of Courts)
State Court - $205.00 (payable to clerk)

2. How much does it cost for a passport?

For information regarding passports please visit the State Website... More...

3. Are there any other fees associated with this office?

Real Estate transactions - $10.00 for first page and $2.00 for each additional page
Plat - $8.00
Copies - $1 per
Certified Copies - $2.50 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page
Faxes - $2.50 for the first page and $1 for each additional page
UCC's - $10 for the first page and $2 for each additional page
Lien Recordings - $5.00 for the first page, $2.00 each additional page
Cross Referencing of Real Estate and Lien documents - $2.00 for each one
Subpoena - $5.00
Trade Name Registration - $155.00
Partnerships - $205.00
Notary Commissions/Renewal - $37.00
Sheriff's Service Fee's - $50.00 per defendant to be served - payable to Sumter County Sheriff.

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Correctional Institute

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1. What are the directions to your facility?

From Americus:
Take Highway 280 west toward Plains, Georgia.
Travel 0.5 miles to McMath Mill Road on the right.
Turn right onto McMath Mill Road for 1.5 miles to the Correctional Institute on the right.

2. What are the hours for visitation?

Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays from 9:00am - 1:00 pm

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Court/Courthouse Security

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1. I have received a notice about a civil paper, what do I need to do?

Contact the Civil office at (229) 928-4556 during Monday through Friday during the hours of 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. The card indicates that the Sheriff’s Office has a civil service notice for the named party.

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Environmental Health

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1. What can I do about mold in my home / apartment?

The presence of mold is an indication of moisture problems. Finding the source of the moisture is the first step in preventing mold. Fix any obvious water leaks or sources of moisture. Our office can provide you with information on how to safely clean and remove mold from small areas in your home.

2. I found a dead bat in my house. What should I do?

When a bat is found in the living quarters of a home, and there is the possibility of animal or human exposure to the bat, then the bat needs to be tested for rabies. There is no charge for testing. If you find a bat in your home, or if you were exposed to a bat, please contact your medical provider and our office for consultation.

3. Do I need a food service permit to start a catering business?

Yes, a food service permit is needed because the state regulations define a catering business as a type of food-service establishment. A catering business would fall under the same guidelines and requirements as restaurants, coffee shops, cafeterias, etc. The food preparation area would have to be separate from your home kitchen and living quarters.

4. Do I need a permit to repair my septic system?

Yes, a permit is needed for repairs so that Environmental Health can help evaluate the reason the system is failing, issue the permit stating what repairs are needed, and inspect the system after any repairs are done to be sure they met state guidelines regarding on-site sewage management systems. There is no charge for a repair permit.

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Family and Children Services

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1. Who do I report child abuse to?

The Department of Family and Children Services, your local police department, or the Sheriff's Office.

2. How do I apply for food stamps?

Contact DFCS at (229)931-2462 or visit the state of Georgia Division of Family and Children Services website. Apply for Food Stamps

3. How do I apply for Medicaid?

Contact the County Department of Family and Children Services at (229) 931-2462 or visit the state of Georgia Division of Family and Children Services website. Apply for Medicaid

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Finance

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1. When are vendor payments made?

GENERAL FUND - Accounts Payable processes checks every week on Friday. Invoices must be signed by Department Director authorizing payment before Finance Department will process.

SPLOST FUND - Accounts Payable processes checks every month on the first Friday. Invoices must be signed by SPLOST Project Management authorizing payment before Finance Department will process.

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Fire

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1. What is the non-emergency number to call for information regarding the Fire Department?

The phone number for command headquarters on Rucker Street is (229) 924-6603.

2. What services does the Sumter County Fire Department provide?

Fire protection and rescue, EMS, Extrication, etc.

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Human Resources

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1. I want to apply for a job, but what if there are no positions open?

The County accepts applications for open positions only. You can sign up to be notified by email when positions are open.

2. Can I submit a resume?

To be considered for any County position, you must submit an original County application form. Relevant attachments, such as a resume, cover letter or transcripts/diplomas are acceptable attachments to a County appplication form.

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Investigations

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1. What investigator is assigned to my case?

Call Investigations for case assignment and additional information at (229) 924-4094, ext. 236.

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Juvenile Court

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1. How do I file a complaint against a child?

You can file a complaint through either the police department or the sheriff's office by phone or in person at the time of the incident.

2. How do I report the neglect / deprivation of a child?

Call the Sumter County Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) at (229) 931-2462. If it is after hours or on weekends call the police department, sheriff's office, or 9-1-1. Family and Children Services

3. How do I legitimate a child?

Unless there is a pending Department of Family and Children Services deprivation case concerning the child, you must file a petition for legitimation in the Superior Court of Sumter County.
If there is a pending deprivation proceeding and you wish to file a legitimation petition you can talk to DFCS. If they are in agreement, they may help by requesting the Special Assistant Attorney General (SAAG) to help you with the filing of the petition. If they do not agree to your wish to legitimate then you will have to obtain your own attorney (one cannot be appointed to you).

4. How do I get custody / guardianship of a child, or how do I terminate custody / guardianship?

Guardianship is done through Probate Court and is dissolved through the same court unless it is contested by either of the parties. If this occurs, then the issue will come to Juvenile Court in order to dissolve the guardianship or leave it intact. Custody issues are handled through Superior Court unless DFCS is involved.

5. How do I report truancy or a runaway?

Call the Juvenile Court of Sumter County at (229) 928-4569 and ask to talk to our Truancy Officers to obtain information about your particular situation.

6. How do I become emancipated?

It is recommended that you talk to an attorney since each case is different and they can better help you by answering any legal questions you might have. We are not allowed to give legal advice.

7. What happens if I miss a court date?

A Bench Warrant can be issued for you and/or you could be held in contempt of court and fined up to $300 if you were served and failed to show up for your court date. If you have any questions you can call either the Department of Juvenile Justice at (229) 931-2409 or the District Attorney's office at (229) 924-5411.

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Magistrate Court

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1. How can I collect money owed to me?

File a civil suit.

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Parks and Recreation

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1. Do I have to pay the registration fee at the time of registration?

Yes. All registration fees are due when you register for a program.

2. Can I register if I live and attend school outside of Sumter County?

All residents of Sumter County, Georgia will be charged the published registration rate for a program. Anyone residing outside of Sumter County, Georgia is eligible to participate in the local program but must pay what is equal to double the published registration fee. For post season tournament teams, out of County residents may or may not be eligible, depending on the organization that sanctions the program. Contact the Recreation Department for further detail.

3. Do you have All-Star teams?

The Sumter County Parks and Recreation Department will field all-star teams in the sports of baseball, basketball, football and soccer. These teams will operate on a shared cost philosophy. The department will cover the cost of all district, state or National entry fees and a portion of the uniform cost. The players and parents on the team are responsible for all other associated costs in operating the team. Teams are elected by the coaches in the program.

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Public Works

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1. Who do I call to repair road problems such as potholes and scraping?

Call the Public Works Department at (229) 928-4576. If a complaint is received on a dirt road, it is checked. If the manager or supervisor feels special attention is needed, then a crew will be sent to work on the road.

2. Who is responsible for mowing County rights of way?

Our mowing is contracted out. The contractor has a route to follow which is provided to him by the County. There are three cycles of mowing each year: April, July, and September. If there is a problem with the contractor's work, then please contact our office.

3. How do I find out if my road is on the list of roads to be paved?

Any questions concerning paving of dirt roads or resurfacing of existing paved roads need to be directed to the Public Works Department at (229) 928-4576.

4. Who do I call to report a dead animal in the roadway?

Call the Public Works Department at (229) 928-4576.

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Sheriff's Office

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1. How do I obtain an accident report?

Come to the Sheriff's Office and ask for the Records Division.

2. How much does it cost to obtain a Criminal History and where do I go to get it?

The fee is $20. This information is obtained from the Records Division in the Sheriff's Office.

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Tax Assessor

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1. How is my property value determined?

Property tax is an ad valorem tax based upon the value of property, both real and personal. Real property is defined as land and anything that is erected, growing, or affixed to the land. Personal property is boats, airplanes, business inventory, and any equipment, furniture, and fixtures needed to run a business.

Property taxes are charged against the owner of the property as of January 1, and against the property itself if the owner is not known. Property tax returns are to be filed between January 1 and April 1 with the County Tax Assessor Office.

2. What property exemptions are available?

Homestead, school, disabled veterans, and preferential agriculture

3. How can I appeal my assessment?

After the assessors establish a new value on a piece of property, the tax payer is sent an assessment notice. The assessment informs you of the new proposed valuation of your property. You have 45 days to appeal the new valuation if you feel it's incorrect. The appeal must be filed in writing. Late appeals are invalid.

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Tax Commissioner

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1. Who decides how much my property is worth for tax purposes?

The Board of Assessors and their staff have the responsibility of determining the value of property in Sumter County. Each year between January 1 and April 1 every property owner has the ability to declare a proposed value for their property (O.C.G.A. Section 48-5-9). These values are declared in the manner of 'filing a return.'

Returns for real estate are filed in the Tax Assessor's office and returns for personal property are filed with the Board of Assessors. The Board of Assessors will review your proposed value and if they disagree, an assessment notice with the Boards' value will be mailed to you.

2. What is a millage rate?

The tax rate, or millage rate, is set annually by the Sumter County Commissioners and the Sumter County Board of Education. A tax rate of one mill represents a tax liability of one dollar per every $1,000 of assessed value. Each governing authority estimates their total revenue from other sources. This figure is subtracted from their overall budgetary needs, and then a millage rate is set that will generate the necessary revenues to fulfill budgetary requirements.

3. When is my tax bill due?

Taxes for real estate and business personal property are normally due in Sumter County by December 1 of each year.
Mobile / modular homes are due May 1 of each year and motor vehicles are due based on the owner's birthday.

After the due date, for real estate and business personal property, interest at the rate of 1 percent per month is charged. Additionally, a penalty of 10 percent will apply to all taxes that are not paid within 90 days of the deadline. However, homestead property with a tax liability of less than $500 does not receive the 90-day penalty.

If the property taxes remain unpaid, the tax commissioner has the right and responsibility to levy on the property for non-payment. Of course we consider this a last resort for tax collection and prefer to use other collection methods.