Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry spoke last week during a bi-weekly media report and responded to questions about the county’s finances.  In a question to the commissioner about what would happen if the millage rate was not changed, the commissioner said that the county could do away with tax anticipation notes and that he could provide raises for county employees.  The commissioner quickly added that while that extra revenue could be put to good use, county taxpayers cannot afford a large property tax increase.  The commissioner said, “I go to the grocery store just like everybody else”, saying that the price on consumables is up across the board.  The commissioner said that Chattooga County lags behind surrounding counties in employee pay and added that he is grateful to the county’s employees.  The commissioner also urged county taxpayers to file tax assessment appeals before the deadline on August 21st.