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After 34 years of mapping and accessing property values in Troup County, Real Property Appraiser Sam Cotton officially retired on Thursday. 

“I am not much on speaking,” Cotton said as a joke because he has been known for talking a lot. “You all are my extended family … And I know we’ve been having this epidemic, and it was long ago before I finally decided to retire.”

Cotton began his career in April of 1986 as a mapper with the county and in 2010 began in his position as a property appraiser. He also has worked with many kids through the recreation department for more than 32 years.

“Not only did he work for the county, but he worked for the community,” said Chairman of the Assessors Office Jerome Alford. “You have to have a dedication and the love in order to do that. He loves this community because he put together a profile that he showed me, dating all the way back. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement. We will miss you.” 

Alford said he has seen a lot of people come and go in the office, but that Cotton was part of the family there. 

“You could have always gone and made money somewhere else,” Alford said. 

“But I don’t think you could have made better friends and have better people around if you had gone anywhere else.”

The Property Appraisal office works to provide Troup County with the information necessary to understand its role in determining property values. 

“We grew up together,” Alford said. “Anytime that you can stay in a position, and the plaque will say 34 years, and be dedicated to that position, it all goes back to your upbringing. To how you dedicate yourself and how you treat people.” 

Members of Troup County government hosted a retirement party for Cotton to celebrate more than his three decades of service to the county. 

“I won’t be a stranger,” Cotton said. “I have been taken care of. It was a joy working with the property appraisers and even being an appraiser.”