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Residents report steep assessment jumps; staff points to state notice changes and appeal options
Summary
Multiple residents said their assessments rose dramatically—one reported a jump to $510,000—and urged clearer notices and appeals. Staff said state law (House Bills 581 and 92) changed notice contents and reminded residents they can appeal valuations.
Several residents described sharp increases on their notice of assessment and urged the city to clarify next steps. Sherry Jones told the council her assessment rose from about $210,000 to $510,000 and said neighborhood-wide jumps are "tremendously" concerning. "I just got the assessment for this year, which concerns me tremendously. Is 510,000," Jones said, adding that past notices used to show an estimated tax amount that this year's notice omitted.
Assistant City Manager Kaye Love explained the change results from recent state legislation and described options for property owners. "The legislation went into effect, the last legislative session. First, it was House Bill 581, and then it was House Bill 92," Love said, adding that the state now requires the notice to show the millage rate rather than an estimated tax dollar figure. Love also outlined that assessed values can be appealed through the county process and suggested residents file appeals where they believe valuations are incorrect. Several residents said they are preparing appeals and working with neighborhood data to support adjustments.
Council members and staff encouraged residents concerned by their assessments to pursue appeals with Fulton County and signaled they would share guidance on timelines and contacts. Staff emphasized the distinction between assessed value (40% of fair market value), taxable value (after exemptions), and the millage rate used to calculate tax bills.
