Board of assessors change meeting date

The group agreed Monday to change its regular meeting dates from the first and third Mondays of the month to the first and third Thursdays of each month at 5:30 p.m.

The move was needed because the county board of commissioners recently decided to change its meeting schedule from the second and fourth Mondays of the month to the final Monday of each month, followed by the first Monday of the next month at 6:30 p.m.

That means the BOC meeting room, where the assessors also gather, will be tied up by the commissioners during the BOA’s regular meeting times.

BOA chairman David Ragland suggested the board meet on Wednesdays, but assessor board member Larry Stewart noted that the BOC often holds Wednesday afternoon budget meetings later in the year.

Monday’s assessor board meeting was relatively uneventful. The group talked at length about a tax appeal by Wendell Williams, who was not at the meeting but has challenged his tax increase of over 60 percent. Ragland said the board has the authority to request that the tax commissioner reissue a corrected tax bill for 2008.

“If we see fit that the value was so erroneous and the situation is so out of kilter, then we can ask that that it (the tax bill) be struck and reissued,” said Ragland, adding that Georgia codes give the board that authority.

The BOA postponed any action on the matter, agreeing to consider it later when Ragland can present the code that gives the board that power. Stewart questioned whether such an action is appropriate.

“I’m troubled by that,” said Stewart.

The board also considered several conservation use applications Monday, agreeing to seek the county attorney’s opinion on one request and agreeing to grant a medical hardship release for a couple that seeks to end their conservation status. They also agreed that a refund should be granted in cases in which a property split has led to a landowner erroneously charged twice for a portion of his property. One such case will likely result in a $500 refund for one property owner for 2007 taxes.

The assessors also heard from interim chief appraiser Stacey Rubio, who noted that appraisers toured the new feed mill off Hwy. 72. She said the staff will look at similar businesses in the area, such as the feed mill off Hwy. 98 in Maysville, as it assesses the property.

Also Monday, Ragland said he would like to call a special meeting to discuss city/county assessment ratios.