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Residents warn higher property assessments could hit homeowners, small businesses
Summary
During public comment at the July 14 Whitfield County commission meeting, David Pennington told the board that most assessment increases would 'fall on county home owners and small businesses'; county staff explained the Department of Revenue‑mandated tax digest process and potential fines for noncompliance.
David Pennington and other residents used the public comment period at the July 14 Whitfield County Board of Commissioners meeting to raise concerns about rising property assessments and the potential tax burden on homeowners and small businesses.
"Most of the increases will fall on county home owners and small businesses," Pennington told the board during public comment. Several other citizens also expressed concern about high assessments and possible tax increases.
Tom Minor addressed the comments and gave a detailed explanation of the annual tax digest process, stating that the Tax Assessor's office must follow Department of Revenue guidelines. Minutes note that Minor explained the process and said that if a county tax digest does not meet Department of Revenue standards the county can be fined $5 per parcel.
County staff did not provide a specific estimate of the overall tax increase during the meeting. The public comment period recorded community concern but did not produce board action on changes to the tax digest at this session. The board then proceeded to other agenda items, including grant approvals and procurement votes.
The meeting minutes show no formal staff directive or vote to change valuation methodology; any adjustments would require further administrative or legislative action and compliance with state rules.
