Barrow County commissioners are considering a request by four cities to cut taxes charged to its residents. The county mayor's association says the cities of Braselton, Auburn, Winder and Statham should not have to pay for sheriff's patrols. That's because as the cities have their own police departments, the responsibilities of sheriff's departments have been reduced. Accordingly, officials in those cities want their tax rate adjusted.

The mayors say forcing residents to pay both city and county taxes for police protection could violate a 1998 state law preventing governments from charging twice for the same service.

Tags: Barrow County, police protection, county taxes, Braselton, Winder, Statham, Auburn