Longtime Forsyth County Tax Commissioner Matthew Ledbetter Dies Unexpectedly at 59

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County officials are mourning the unexpected death of longtime Tax Commissioner Matthew C. Ledbetter, who passed away Saturday, June 27, 2026, at his home. He was 59.

Ledbetter served nearly 21 consecutive years as Forsyth County’s Tax Commissioner after taking office on Jan. 1, 2005. He was serving his sixth term following his re-election in 2024, with his current term scheduled to continue through Dec. 31, 2028.

A graduate of Forsyth Central High School and the University of Georgia, Ledbetter was widely recognized for modernizing the Tax Commissioner’s Office and emphasizing customer service throughout his tenure.

Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alfred John said Ledbetter’s passing came as a shock to the community.

“Tax Commissioner Matthew Ledbetter spent decades serving others, both through his office and throughout the community, in ways many may never fully know,” John said. “Matthew’s warmth, wit and gregarious personality will be missed by those of us who knew him personally, but the Forsyth County community lost a dedicated servant, leader, friend and advocate.”

Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman remembered Ledbetter as both a colleague and friend.

“Tax Commissioner Matthew Ledbetter was not only my fellow constitutional officer, but he was also my friend,” Freeman said. “His service to Forsyth was exceptional and his legacy of customer service at the Tax Commissioner’s Office is legendary.”

Cumming Mayor Troy Brumbalow called Ledbetter “one of my best friends.”

“Matthew never met a stranger, loved his family and friends, was always going wide open and transformed the Tax Commissioner’s Office into a well-oiled machine,” Brumbalow said.

Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mitch Young described Ledbetter as “a fantastic human being, a great family man and public servant” who strongly supported the county’s school system.

County Manager David McKee said Ledbetter’s influence on Forsyth County would be felt for years to come.

“The lasting impact of Tax Commissioner Ledbetter’s service will resonate in Forsyth County for many years,” McKee said. “He took his duties and responsibilities very seriously and always worked to ensure our residents received the best possible customer service.”

County officials extended their condolences to Ledbetter’s wife, sons, family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched during his decades of public service.