SCBC will meet in Special Called Meeting to discuss FY23 Budget changes

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners has issued a meeting notice for a special called meeting this afternoon.

The meeting will start promptly at 3:00 p.m. inside the Stephens County Historic Courthouse Courtroom.

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners will use the meeting as an opportunity to discuss Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Amendments.

As WNEG News previously reported, the Stephens County Board of Commissioners recently held two public hearings for a proposed property tax increase; however, several residents spoke out against the increase.

During the first public hearing Stephens County’s Chief Appraiser Christen Collier says this year’s property valuations have increased by 8 percent; but warns that next year that number could be even higher unless the residents of Stephens County get involved.

“I’m here to mention to anybody that came here that’s concerned or interested to be involved. This year, when you’re facing what you’re facing with the increase in our digest of eight percent. I recommend that people get involved and get concerned about next year. I’m not saying that this is not important, this is very important; but, I want to say this in July of 2022, because you guys have gone through your whole budget process, we’ve sent out assessment notices in April, all of the things that can be done through the process has been done. The budget that you have prepared is based on this millage rate. What I’m saying is that state law requires my office to follow the values that happens in the real estate market, and next year the values are going to be outrageous if something doesn’t change. There is a possibility that the Georgia Legislature could do something between now and next year. But, I don’t do possibilities, I don’t want to tell anyone to have faith or to hope in something, I’m just saying there’s so much of this stuff that we’re involved in that is based on state law and not local,” he said.

During the first public hearing, Vice Chair Dennis Bell asked Collier if what he says means that the Commissioners’ hands are tied.

“You said something that struck a chord with some people. So, if state law is requiring you to do it, then it’s requiring us to do it too. So, our hands are tied, even if we voted against it,” Bell said.

Collier explained that the Commission could adjust the budget and accept the rollback rate so that property owners won’t see an increase.

Again, the meeting will begin at 3:00 p.m. today, inside the Stephens County Historic Courthouse Courtroom.