Houston County sees property values ​​rise

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — When you hear that the value of something is increasing, you usually get excited, like when your credit score goes up or your salary increases. Increasing property value doesn’t always bring that feeling of well-being. This is what is happening in Houston County right now.

Peter Dammann has lived in Houston County for about 18 years.

“It’s gotten crazy over the last few years,” he said.

He says the madness comes from the increase in the number of homes and families.

“It’s like a zoo. They keep building,” Dammann said.

He says that leads to more cars on the roads.

“There’s so much traffic, especially when the base is closed and you just don’t want to be on the road,” he explained.

Being on your own property isn’t so glamorous for some either, as property values ​​continue to rise throughout the county.

“Last year it went up, the year before that it went up. That’s the nature of the beast of the economy these days,” he said.

This is a monster that some people worry about and which could impact their pockets in the same way as other household expenses.

“I pay on average over $850 more per month,” he said.

Dammann said the increase has occurred over the past two to four years. He said that includes his property taxes, car insurance and homeowners insurance.

“Who does this hurt the most? Low-income people,” he said.

The value of the property plays a role in how much you pay in property taxes. Local governments then use it to budget for their infrastructure and public safety agencies.

“If we have these services and we can keep people safe, I don’t mind paying a little more,” he said.

However, families won’t really know how much of an impact this will have on their pockets until each city and county has their budgets worked out, so Dammann will wait to see how much “crazier” it could get.

“I’m just going to see how it goes,” he said.

Houston County has already announced that it hopes to reduce its millage rate, which would mean there would be less chance of seeing a property tax increase for those living within county limits.

If you wish to appeal, the Taxpayer’s Office has indicated that the deadline to appeal is July 1. You can visit the Board of Tax Assessors office located at 201 Perry Parkway in Perry in person. you will need to put something in writing or you can send an appeal by mail.

You will have the opportunity to share your thoughts on county and city budgets starting next week.

At Warner Robins, you can hear about the budget Monday at 4 p.m. in the City Hall building on Watson Boulevard.

If you live within the county limits, your first budget hearing will be Tuesday. It will be at 9 a.m. at the Perry Courthouse on Perry Parkway.