Columbus holds taxpayer bill of rights hearing as residents, landlords press assessors on rising valuations and millage

Columbus, Georgia held its annual taxpayer bill of rights public hearing on June 10, where city officials and dozens of residents and property owners debated why assessed values are rising and how that interacts with the city's millage rate.

The hearing is the final public notice required by OCGA §48-5-32.1 when a jurisdiction's estimated tax digest rises; city attorney Clifton Faye opened the item and invited the chief appraiser and finance staff to explain the changes. Chief appraisal staff said the mayor's proposed millage rate is the same as last year and that the apparent tax increases for many property owners result primarily from higher assessed values, not a higher millage rate.

Why it matters: dozens of residents, investors and council members said sharp valuation increases are driving higher rents, reducing landlords' ability to maintain housing and worsening affordability for tenants. Investors and landlords said sudden three-year revaluations after a homestead or freeze expires can produce large, concentrated increases that are effectively passed to renters. Council members requested options for legislative changes and local…