The Augusta Chronicle, Tax Commisioner candidate: Wayne Bridges

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Bridges received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Georgia Southern University. He is married with 3 children and 4 grandchildren. He is a deacon and member of Warren Baptist Church.

Bridges is a Certified Public Accountant and the Owner of E. Wayne Bridges, CPA, LLC. He served as Chief Financial Officer for both for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Wayne Bridges is the Tax Commissioner in Columbia County. He was elected in 2014 and has served 10 years in this position. He also served on the Columbia County Board of Education from 2001 to 2012, including two terms as chairman.

He is the past chairman of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and GA Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Said, "The office should be managed with a high level of customer service, integrity and professionalism; the ultimate goal is to serve the citizens of Columbia County with a high degree of accountability and perform the services in accordance with the policies and procedures set forth."

Said, "The Tax Commissioner should lead by example and ensure that the staff has the resources and training necessary to perform their jobs with excellence."

Said, "I would look for ways to make it as convenient as possible for taxpayers to transact the business as possible; including examining the need and feasibility of satellite offices in other parts of the County."

Plans to improve technology and ensure that employees are adequately trained in all areas of the office with possible cross-training where deemed appropriate and applicable.

Wants to pursue more on-line transactions and reduce the "convenience" fees taxpayers have to pay.

Said, "I have always worked under a professional code of ethics...I am experienced in management as well as "roll-up-the-sleeves" and get the job done assignments. I have had vast experience in dealing with State and Federal level taxing authorities..."

- He is the past chairman of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and GA Society of Certified Public Accountants.
- Said, "The office should be managed with a high level of customer service, integrity and professionalism; the ultimate goal is to serve the citizens of Columbia County with a high degree of accountability and perform the services in accordance with the policies and procedures set forth."
- Said, "The Tax Commissioner should lead by example and ensure that the staff has the resources and training necessary to perform their jobs with excellence."
- Said, "I would look for ways to make it as convenient as possible for taxpayers to transact the business as possible; including examining the need and feasibility of satellite offices in other parts of the County."
- Plans to improve technology and ensure that employees are adequately trained in all areas of the office with possible cross-training where deemed appropriate and applicable.
- Wants to pursue more on-line transactions and reduce the "convenience" fees taxpayers have to pay.
- Said, "I have always worked under a professional code of ethics...I am experienced in management as well as "roll-up-the-sleeves" and get the job done assignments. I have had vast experience in dealing with State and Federal level taxing authorities..."

Administration

Wayne Bridges

Tax Commisioner candidate: Wayne Bridges

Wayne Bridges was elected as the Tax Commissioner in Columbia County in 2014 and has served 10 years in this position. He also served on the Columbia County Board of Education from 2001 to 2012, including two terms as chairman.

Tax Commissioners are elected at the county level, and their job is to oversee most phases of the taxing process. These responsibilities include billing, collecting, processing, and distributing taxes. They are generally in charge of property taxes, solid waste fees, public utilities, and renewing your vehicle tag. Notably, the Tax Commissioner does not determine how much taxes you pay. Because taxes are a source of revenue for counties, the tax commissioners’ work is ultimately beneficial to individual cities, education, transportation, and other local services. In addition to administering tax laws, the department is responsible for enforcing laws and  regulations pertaining to the control of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products in Georgia as well as motor vehicle license plate and title administration.

Oversees the taxing process in the county