Houston County Property Taxes Rise, Appeals Now Open

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — The county’s estimate of the value of your property is an assessment; This number plays a role in what you pay in property taxes.

Property taxes aren’t just about the value of your property; they also take into account the millage rate and any exemptions on your property.

Some Houston residents are sharing concerns about their property values ​​increasing.

“The Houston County Board of Commissioners fully recognizes that property values ​​and property assessments are increasing at a very rapid rate in Houston County,” said Chairman Dan Perdue.

“Unfortunately, the Board of Tax Assessors is mandated by state law to assess things at fair market value,” he continued.

If Houston County property values ​​don’t keep up with sales figures, according to the Georgia Department of Revenue, Perdue said, the county could face penalties.

“Last year, because our sales ratio was not between 38 and 42, utilities, we lost about $600,000 in the county alone; that doesn’t include school boards or cities ” Perdue said.

The county and tax assessor’s office want to avoid that, Perdue said.

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 in person, located at 201 Perry Parkway in Perry. You will need to put something in writing or you can send an appeal by mail.

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.