Property Taxes

I, like every other home owner in Upson County, am simply dismayed to see our property taxes rising year over year.  While I understand the need to raise revenue to provide the services expected of a county government, I also believe the County Board of Commissioner and the School Board should treat our taxpayer dollars as their own and not a never ending fund for good idea fairies.

Our taxes are based on the assessed value of our property and the millage rate.  Most home owners have seen their assessed values rise as properties across the country have increased in value over the past few years.  These increases are market-base, and while they represent potential equity, they do not represent an actual gain until a property is sold.  So we get taxed on potential.  If your home price declines, the government is not going to issue you a tax rebate.  While this system of assessment is inherently unfair, it is used throughout the country as a standard and is not likely nor easily to be changed.

What local governments can control and change is the second part of the tax equations:  millage rates.  We must hold our elected official accountable for our budgets and the millage rates they approve to fund those budgets.  As your Chairman, I pledge to be fiscally responsible and respect that the tax dollars come from local tax payers' pay checks and pensions.