SCBC will hold final public hearing for proposed property tax increase

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners will meet this morning for its third public hearing regarding the proposed property tax increase. The hearing will be held this morning at 8:30 a.m.

The hearing will be conducted through teleconference. Anyone wishing to attend can call-in at 425-436-6345, after calling in you’ll be prompted to input the code: 585174.

As WNEG News reported, the Stephens County Board of Commissioners is planning 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; however, she stressed that the property tax increase is not an increase in the millage rate.

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

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

Again, the SCBC will hold the third and final public hearing for the property tax increase this morning at 8:30 a.m.

Following the public hearing, the board will meet for a special called meeting at 9:00 a.m. to consider approval for the 2020 millage rate.