County officials address confusion over new tax assessment notices and potential appeals

The Glynn County Board of Assessors meeting held on June 12, 2025, focused on the challenges surrounding the new tax assessment notices and their implications for taxpayers. The meeting began with a discussion on the confusion stemming from the estimated tax figures presented in the notices, which only reflect the maintenance and operation portion of the tax bill. This has led to difficulties for taxpayers who seek clarity on their total tax obligations.

Board members noted that the absence of total lines in the assessment notices has left many taxpayers uncertain about their actual tax liabilities. Additionally, the lack of special assessments, such as sanitation and stormwater fees, has further complicated the understanding of tax bills, particularly for those with exemptions.

Despite these challenges, the board acknowledged the efforts of staff members, particularly Sabbath, who have been proactive in addressing taxpayer inquiries and clarifying the complexities of the new forms. The board anticipates a lower number of appeals this year, although concerns were raised that the confusion over the notices might lead to misunderstandings about tax reductions, potentially resulting in missed opportunities for appeals.

One board member shared personal experiences with the assessment notice, highlighting discrepancies between the estimated tax and the actual tax bill from the previous year. This raised concerns that taxpayers might misinterpret the information, believing their taxes have decreased when that may not be the case.

The meeting concluded with a call for increased public education regarding the new assessment notices to mitigate confusion and ensure taxpayers are informed about their rights and responsibilities. The board plans to continue monitoring the situation and will address any further questions or concerns in future meetings.