EDITORIAL: Property owners facing tax hikes
So the county lowered your property tax assessment? Don’t get too excited; you probably won’t see your taxes go down.
While it’s still too early to know exactly how the massive tax reevaluations will affect Barrow County, it’s safe to say that if the county’s overall tax digest decreases as expected, local government tax rates will go up to compensate.
Let’s assume that the overall Barrow tax digest decreases eight percent. That would cause the Barrow County School System to cut around $2 million from its budget, or raise its millage rate by eight percent just to stay even. Currently at 18.5 mills, the school system would have to raise its tax rate to 20 mills, the maximum allowed by Georgia law, just to stay even. (And that doesn’t count making up for further state cuts.)
The county government doesn’t have a cap on its tax rate, but it’s in a difficult position as well. The county is looking at a possible $3-$6 million deficit for the coming year.
To make up that difference, the BOC could be looking at as much as a 25-35 percent tax hike unless additional spending cuts are made.
That kind of tax increase seems untenable in today’s depressed economic climate. It’s doubtful that citizens will accept that kind of tax increase without out a serious backlash.
And consider this: The impact of any tax hike won’t be even across the board in the county. Someone whose property value drops 15 percent in the reevaluations will be hit less by a tax hike than the property owner who only had a three percent drop in value.
This situation of a declining tax digest combined with a large budget deficit is a “perfect storm” of problems for the county government. Despite having already cut positions and pay, the BOC now has to find a way to make even more cuts from its spending in the coming year unless it intends to raise taxes by a significant amount.
Among the areas being discussed are cutting back on the county’s generous health insurance benefits for county employees, cutting retirement payments and deeper cuts in the county’s public safety departments.
There are no good choices here. Citizens cannot have it all — the current tax rate and the same level of county services. Either taxes go up, or services will have to decrease.
Taxpayers, speak up and let county officials know what you think should be done.
Let’s assume that the overall Barrow tax digest decreases eight percent. That would cause the Barrow County School System to cut around $2 million from its budget, or raise its millage rate by eight percent just to stay even. Currently at 18.5 mills, the school system would have to raise its tax rate to 20 mills, the maximum allowed by Georgia law, just to stay even. (And that doesn’t count making up for further state cuts.)
The county government doesn’t have a cap on its tax rate, but it’s in a difficult position as well. The county is looking at a possible $3-$6 million deficit for the coming year.
To make up that difference, the BOC could be looking at as much as a 25-35 percent tax hike unless additional spending cuts are made.
That kind of tax increase seems untenable in today’s depressed economic climate. It’s doubtful that citizens will accept that kind of tax increase without out a serious backlash.
And consider this: The impact of any tax hike won’t be even across the board in the county. Someone whose property value drops 15 percent in the reevaluations will be hit less by a tax hike than the property owner who only had a three percent drop in value.
This situation of a declining tax digest combined with a large budget deficit is a “perfect storm” of problems for the county government. Despite having already cut positions and pay, the BOC now has to find a way to make even more cuts from its spending in the coming year unless it intends to raise taxes by a significant amount.
Among the areas being discussed are cutting back on the county’s generous health insurance benefits for county employees, cutting retirement payments and deeper cuts in the county’s public safety departments.
There are no good choices here. Citizens cannot have it all — the current tax rate and the same level of county services. Either taxes go up, or services will have to decrease.
Taxpayers, speak up and let county officials know what you think should be done.
Still a double whammy for me.
Oh that is right!
BCFES says "you people screaming for cuts to public safety are ignorant"
Insulting the people whom you serve, Not good PR. You work for us? Right.
BCFES says "If we have a financial difficulty then everyone should pay to bail us out".
Why? Take cuts just like the rest of us.
We have to tighten our belts, you should too.
BCFES says
"And to you self reliant I do have a right to receive medical benefits for me and my family"
Ha, you have No Right to receive medical benefits. While on duty you are covered by workmen’s comp. just like the rest of us.
Again you are making demands from the taxpayers that you serve. Pay for them yourself, like the rest of us.
BCFES says
"I received an education to be able provide advanced medical services to the people of this county and I have a absolute right for good treatment and benefits from an employer".
Ha Ha, You have NO" absolute rights"
None, Zip, nothing.
If you don't like the way you are treated, find another employer. That’s what the rest of us do.
BCFES says
"i mean we aren't talking about a bunch of totally replaceable mcdonalds employees"
Well it seems to me that these "replaceable employees (aren't we all) pay your wages. I.e. taxes.
Also the colleges and tech schools are turning out new and skilled EMTs everyday, so watch-out
You are replaceable.
Finally, BCFEES, you come off as an arrogant, infantile government employee.
If you don't like the way you are being treated in Barrow county, Quit, move on.
I'm sure that there are 10 qualified people, with better attitudes, who would be wiling to replace you in a heartbeat.
After comparing them to several other counties, they are right in line. The employees pay a little more for family than some other places, but thats the only difference I found.
Not to be harsh, but a lot of government employees don't know how good they've got it compared to many of their neighbors.
Stereotypes are bad regardless of where they're aimed.
Then provide it out of your own paycheck; currently, taxpayers are providing your health care. You don't have the "right" to take our money to fund your health care.
They will not be able to open some of their new fire stations, and some of the homeowners in the area had their quadruple because of lack of coverage.
We will end up paying one way or the other. It is just a decision of who we want to pay.
I appreciate the job you guys do but get a little weary of the entitlement ("everyone should pay to bail us out") attitude that seems to go along with a paycheck that comes from government.
If your skills are so rare and qualified folks like you are in such demand then you should be able to name your own price and work where you wish. If you are not in a position to do either of the above then it is likely because your skill set is not that rare and not in great demand.
There is a reason you don't get paid more and don't get a high degree of respect. Maybe such evidence is being provided on this board.
You stay because you like the benefits?
Everyone I know in your job or similar works a second job because the first is effectively part time.
...and you are complaining about it?
Tell us how long you work before you may retire and what your retirement benefits are.