A message from Chairwoman Angie Teems:
There has been considerable misinformation circulating in our community regarding the county’s recent transfer of $12 million in savings from the Bank of LaFayette to Regions Bank. I want to take this opportunity to share the facts and explain the reasons behind this decision to ensure our citizens have accurate and complete information.
This decision was reviewed, discussed publicly, and approved by the Board of Commissioners on June 5, 2025 (3-0 vote, with one abstention). After several months with no further questions or concerns, the funds were transferred – fully transparent and on the record.
To be clear:
- No one — not I, any staff member, or any commissioner — received any personal or financial benefit.
- Our main operating account – currently $17.4 million – remains at the Bank of LaFayette.
- The move simply allows us to take advantage of modern banking tools, better interest options, and enhanced security offered by Regions.
- I met with Bank of Lafayette, Regions Bank, Colony, and Cadence. Millennium was considered but their branches were not conveniently located. The Bank of Lafayette was offered every opportunity to meet or exceed the interest rate and services offered by Regions Bank.
- Our primary counsel and auditor stated that we did not need an RFP for banking services such as opening a savings account. If we strategize on this subject in the future, an RFP process will be employed.
This was a practical business decision made in the best interest of Walker County — not a personal one. My commitment has always been to manage taxpayer dollars responsibly, transparently, and with an eye toward the future.
For a 12-month accrual period on a $12,000,000 deposit:
Interest from Bank of Lafayette = $240,000, whereas interest from Regions Bank = $444,000. If we were to move our entire balance to Regions Bank, the estimated interest would be more than $1 million annually.
Regions Bank has a strong presence in the area, and several Walker County residents are employed at their Fort Oglethorpe branch. Regions Bank has a broad base of knowledge of government business from working with many other counties and municipalities. Their commercial banking leadership is in Atlanta.
Services offered by Regions Bank include advanced financial tools and modern technologies that allow us to better protect and manage county funds. In addition to competitive interest rates, this partnership gives us access to other services including enhanced security through positive pay, remote deposit capture, faster transaction processing that reduces travel and teller time, zero balance accounts, and state‑of‑the‑art merchant card processing.
Importantly, this collaboration also gave us access to a lower‑cost automated payroll system that increases accuracy and efficiency for every $1 million payroll cycle. These improvements not only strengthen the county’s financial operations but also maximize taxpayer value by reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency.
I remain committed to the promises I made to voters: to make sound decisions for the long-term good of Walker County. Here are recent decisions that strengthen the county in many ways:
- Reduced property taxes
- Applied cost saving initiatives throughout the administration
- Insuring expensive assets
- Future implementation of new technology to aid the public in gathering information:
- Easier access to financial reporting
- Streamlined records request process
- Website redesign
- Pilgrim’s Pride will bring more than 600 new jobs
- We will continue to pursue projects that support reducing taxes
I understand that change can raise questions, and I’ll always welcome honest conversation. My door is open to anyone who wants to talk directly and get the facts.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support progress and positive change for Walker County. Together, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable future.
Chairwoman/CEO
Walker County Board of Commissioners