During a recent meeting of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, several residents voiced their concerns regarding rising property taxes and the impact on local homeowners. The discussions highlighted a growing sentiment among citizens that the burden of increased property taxes is disproportionately affecting individual property owners, particularly seniors, while developers are perceived to be paying less than their fair share.

Derek Blassingame opened the session with a passionate appeal, drawing parallels between historical figures who were once deemed \"crazy\" for their courageous ideas, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and former President Barack Obama. He emphasized the importance of courage in advocating for change, although his comments were met with mixed reactions.

Lou Engenwerson, a resident from North Fulton, urged the board to consider the recent 5% increase in home values across the Atlanta metro area when discussing the proposed millage rate increase to 3%. He suggested that the board should roll back the increase for this year, given the automatic rise in gross receipts from property taxes.

Florence Lacroix, an anesthesiologist and adjunct professor, argued against lowering property taxes for wealthy developers, advocating instead for an increase in property taxes on developers to alleviate the financial strain on individual homeowners. She pointed out that millennials and Gen Z voters prioritize housing affordability, suggesting that addressing these concerns could enhance the board's electoral prospects.

Marty Breen echoed these sentiments, highlighting the unsustainable nature of the current tax burden on long-term residents compared to developers. He called for a fairer tax distribution that would relieve pressure on homeowners.

Shuab Balongan added to the discussion by noting recent corrections in the housing market and the need for the board to consider these changes when evaluating property tax rates. He emphasized the unsustainability of current tax levels amid high inflation.

The meeting underscored a critical dialogue about property taxation in Fulton County, with residents advocating for a more equitable approach that considers the financial realities faced by individual homeowners. The board's response to these concerns will likely shape future discussions on property tax policy in the region.