SCBC approve tentative 2020 Millage rate at 14.91 mills, the same as last year

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners have announced a notice of property tax increase. During its meeting on Tuesday, the board entertained a motion to set the tentative 2020 Millage rate at 14.91 mills, the same as last year.

According to Stephens County Administrator Phyllis Ayers the property tax increase is due to an increase in the real estate digest.

She adds that if the Commission decided to take the roll back it would be a $75,000 loss for the county.

Stephens County Tax Assessors’ Chief Appraiser Christen Collier explained that the property tax increase is in part due to a Rural Land Revaluation.

He says the Rural Land Revaluation created an increase of about 5 percent.

Collier says that close to 60 percent of Stephens County residents’ properties have no change in value or have decreased in value.

He adds that an additional 18 percent showed an increase of $1,000 or less.

Commissioner Michelle Ivester asked Collier how much property owners should expect to pay in taxes for each parcel.

Collier says those with the parcels that have a property value increase of $1,000 or less will see no more than a $6 increase on their bill per parcel, per year.

Commissioner Dean Scarborough approved the proposed property tax increase with Commissioner James Addison seconding the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.

Next the commission will hold three public hearings prior to adopting the increase.