Troup County holds millage-rate public hearing as residents press over assessments

Troup County opened a public hearing on its proposed 2025 millage rate on Tuesday evening and answered residents' questions about unusually large assessment increases.

County staff explained changes from two recent state laws that affect how assessed value growth is handled. "During the previous year, the legislators passed HB 581... The school board opted out," a county/tax-office representative summarized, adding that the county side offered a homestead growth exemption tied to the law. The county noted that the Board of Assessors and Department of Revenue provide oversight and that taxpayers can view property estimates online at qpublic.net for Troup County.

Several residents challenged the size of their assessment changes. Ray Kaminski, who gave his address and said he has lived in the county four years, told commissioners, "In the 4 years I've been here, my taxes have almost doubled." Staff and the chair directed residents to meet with the assessor's office or file a formal appeal; staff also reminded the public that an electronic homestead application and appeal window closes at midnight on August 15.

The board took the procedural step of opening the hearing after a motion passed; no final millage adoption occurred in the work session. County staff said the final millage hearing must be held at or after 6 p.m. and that the evening meeting would include the required notices and the five-year history the state requires.

The next procedural step is for the board to consider the formal millage resolution at the advertised public meeting later that day and for affected taxpayers to consult the assessor's office or file appeals before the stated deadlines.