June 20, 2017

There has been a positive development in the Fulton County Property Tax Revolt.  The Fulton County Attorney has found an 1880 law that might give the Fulton County Commission the authority to overrule the Board of Assessors (BOA) and revert to 2016 appraisals.  The Fulton County Commission will meet tomorrow to debate and vote upon a motion to invoke this 1880 law and overturn the BOA’s decision to uphold the 2017 appraisals.  Click on the following links for more information:

Channel 2 Action News: Obscure Law May Allow Freeze on Appraisals

AJC: Commission Asserts Authority to Overturn BOA

However, we urge caution regarding tomorrow’s vote.  It is still unclear how this situation will actually play out.  First, the Fulton County Commission has to approve the resolution being proposed.  Chair Eaves and Vice Chair Ellis have both come out strongly against the inflated appraisals.  This is understandable as the areas they represent got hit hardest.  The other four commissioners have been more equivocal in their stances.  Four votes will be needed for a resolution to overturn the BOA decision to pass.

Second, we suspect that a law from 1880 might not stand up in court and it is possible that this Commission’s decision will be challenged.

Third and lastly, this decision is not completely in the hands of the Fulton County Commission.  The Georgia Department of Revenue may have something to say on this matter.  There are state rules, some that desperately need reforming, that govern property taxes.  The Commissioners’ vote will take place tomorrow, so that will provide some clarity.  However, taxpayers will need to continue to watch this situation closely.  There might be more chapters in this story.

It is worth noting that if more than 8% of taxpayers appeal their assessments, then the matter gets remanded to Superior Court.  So that is another potential scenario to watch out for.  Nearly 25% of residential property owners saw their valuations rise by more than 50%, so it is very likely that more than 8% of total taxpayers with appeal.

If you have not yet appealed, please do so.  It is quite easy to appeal on-line.  Please scroll down to find information on how to appeal your tax assessment and other actions you can take to ensure tax fairness and justice.

Advocating For Citizens,

The Milton Coalition