SCBC will hold third public hearing for property tax increase next week

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners held two public hearings on Thursday for the proposed property tax increase.

The proposed millage rate is 14.91 mills, the same as last year; however, due to an increase in property values, setting the millage rate the same as last year will still constitute a property tax increase.

According to Stephens County Administrator Phyllis Ayers, the property tax increase does not equate to a millage rate increase.

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 says 60 percent of the properties in Stephens County have not increased in value.

Additionally, he says 18 percent of the remaining properties rose in value by $1,000 or less; which, he says the full $1,000 increase would translate to a $6 bill increase per parcel, per year.

The Commission will hold one more public hearing at 8:30 a.m. on July 31, prior to adopting the property tax increase.

For questions regarding the proposed increase in property taxes contact County Clerk Beth Rider by calling 706-886-9491.