Chattooga County property owners who were surprised by higher assessed values on their latest property assessment notices are being asked to wait for the county’s tax process to move further along before drawing conclusions about their eventual tax bills.
Sole Commissioner Andy Allen addressed the increases Monday, noting that he also received a notice reflecting a higher assessment on his own property.
Allen said the assessed value shown on the notice is only one factor used in determining a property owner’s tax obligation. The final amount owed also depends on the millage rate established during the county’s budget and tax-setting process.
“These values help determine the portion of the millage rate each property owner pays,” Allen said. “A higher assessment does not automatically mean a higher tax bill, and in many cases the final tax impact may be smaller than expected once millage decisions are made.”
Allen said it is also too early to determine whether the increases represent an overall shift in the county’s property tax digest.
County offices are reviewing the digest as part of the annual process, with officials examining the information for accuracy and consistency before final decisions are made.
The assessment notices are an early step in the property tax process and do not, by themselves, establish what individual property owners will ultimately pay.
Allen encouraged residents to remain patient as the review continues and said the county is working to ensure the tax digest is handled fairly and accurately.
He thanked property owners for their understanding while officials complete the annual review.