NEWNAN, Georgia (Atlanta News First) – In Coweta County, your property taxes are at stake.
Coweta County commissioners are working to pass a property tax increase by next Tuesday, but now residents are fighting back.
Residents told Atlanta News First they believe the Coweta County Board of Commissioners has mismanaged the general fund and is now trying to make up for those losses at taxpayers’ expense. However, commissioners said the tax increase is intended to continue providing county services.
“The citizens are standing together on this issue,” said Logan Patton, a Coweta County resident.
Last week, residents protested against the tax rate increase proposed by commissioners.
“Everyone is angry. I haven’t spoken to anyone who is in favor of it,” Patton said.
After learning of the planned increase, Patton started a petition last week.
Commissioners want to increase the current tax rate of 4.8 by 39%, meaning the new tax rate would be 6.67.
“If you have a $350,000 home, it’s essentially costing you $250 more a year,” Patton said.
More than 4,000 people have signed the petition against the tax increase.
“I think raising the tax rate above 30% is ridiculous,” said one Coweta County resident.
Commissioners want to use the extra money to improve the jail, hire more district attorneys, raise county employee salaries and fund police and fire departments.
Fifth District County Commissioner Al Smith issued a statement that said, in part, “The five commissioners and administration know that paying for scheduled routine maintenance now is better than delaying it or foregoing it altogether.”
“These taxes were a thousand dollars and a little change when we went into contract on the house. The tax bill is now $2,800,” said another Coweta County resident. “That’s almost triple what it was when we went into contract on this house. That’s absurd.”
Residents told Atlanta News First that they believe commissioners are rushing to pass this tax increase because a new state law will take effect on Jan. 1 that would cap property tax increases at 3% per year.
“They are coming at the wrong time to take money from citizens and use it to fill their general coffers,” Patton said.
The next meeting of the district commissioners will take place next Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.
If you are against the tax increase, you can sign the petition here.
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