June 13, 2017
Byline: Tim Becker
Today, Commissioner Bob Ellis released a statement about the tax assessment fight. There is nothing equivocal in his statement. No mincing of words. That is what we need from our elected officials. Thanks, Commissioner Ellis.
It is troubling that Fulton County’s process allows the Board of Assessors (BOA) to act in such a rogue fashion. While we understand the need for the BOA to be independent, the assessment process should include better sharing of information with the County Commission. The County Commissioners need to fix this issue ASAP. Additionally, the County Commission does bear some responsibility for the Board of Assessors–whom is appointed by the County Commissioners–and their decisions. It is clear that appointees to the BOA need to be more carefully vetted.
Milton Citizens, please heed the call to show up at the town hall meetings and at the Board of Assessors meeting. Your voice needs to be heard!
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Statement From Commissioner Bob Ellis Released Today:
Tax Assessment Fight
Share Your Concerns with the Board of Assessors on June 15
Sincere thanks to some 500 people who packed a Town Hall Meeting in Alpharetta on Thursday, June 8, 2017 to share stories on their concerns with their 2017 Fulton County tax assessments.Like you, I am outraged.
Complaints include assessments skyrocketing 60, 70, even 100 percent and more, inaccurate property information, missing exemptions, and frozen assessments now “unfrozen” and increased.
I understand that property values have significantly increased since the 2008 recession and that the Tax Assessor’s office failed to keep up with rising values and the recent 2017 assessments will bring us into compliance with Georgia law. However, I have zero confidence in the process to arrive at the new assessments.
The Tax Assessor’s Office NEVER shared information with the Fulton County Board of Commissioners on the “sticker shock” that property owners could expect when they received their assessments. Even more troubling, the Board of Assessors voted on the valuation changesBEFORE they sent a briefing information package to Commissioners. By the time we received valuation data, it was too late!
Of course, we all have the right to appeal. However, the process can be confusing, time consuming and, I believe, unnecessary until we get the numbers right.
I am not only working with the Board of Assessors but also with state lawmakers who can pass legislation to cap tax assessments, simplify exemptions and offer school tax relief for senior citizens. The system must be changed and I am committed to make that happen.
In closing, I want to again express my thanks to all who took time out to attend my Town Hall Meeting, as well as to those who’ve contacted me via phone and email. I am attaching a link to the Town Hall meeting and encourage you to listen to your neighbors’ comments and concerns as it will help us forge a coordinated plan to get results.
https://www.facebook.com/fultoninfo/videos/10154825418948031/ (Open in Chrome or other browser)
As mentioned, the Board of Assessors is meeting again on June 15, 2017 and if your schedule permits, I urge you to attend. They need to hear from you, the voice of the people, to understand how these erroneous assessments will impact you.
WHAT: Board of Tax Assessors Meeting
WHEN: Thursday, June 15, 2017
TIME: 12:30 pm
LOCATION: Fulton County Government Center
141 Pryor Street, Atlanta
Assembly Hall
Sincere thanks for your support, I hope to see you Thursday.
Bob
Milton Coalition 