County gov’t anticipates sharp revenue drop

Madison County’s tax rate will generate 13.3 percent less revenue this year than last due to declining property values.

County commission chairman Anthony Dove informed commissioners July 2 that a mill — which equals $1 for each $1,000 in assessed property value — will be less valuable this year than last.

In 2011, one mill generated $669,411 for governing authorities in Madison County. But one mill is projected to generate $580,444 in 2012.

Dove said the county government’s revenue doesn’t come entirely from property taxes, adding that he thinks the government’s revenues will be down about 10 percent.

“We could be down about $800,000 in revenue from last year,” he said.

Dove noted that the board has worked in recent years to avoid any tax rate increases. He said he assumed that would be true again this year as BOC budget talks await.

County commissioners will meet July 16 and 20 at 10 a.m. in the county government complex and hear from department heads and constitutional officers about their budget needs for next year.

Comments

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#1 Ben Had on 07/10/12 at 11:55 AM [Reply]

Aerial photographs, Watson Mill bailout...
Now, it's time to trim the budget or raise taxes. I'm certain that our Republican leaders will be staunchly against raising taxes, so let the cutting begin!
Nah, they'll just raise the mill rate on our already inflated property values, and the only cutting that will be done is to the taxpayers' throats.
Republicrats.

#1.1 Ms.K on 07/10/12 at 02:18 PM [Reply]

Now, now Mr. Had. You're beginning to sound like too many of our neighbors. The county re-assessed property values and most were reduced, mine significantly. Real estate values were over-inflated five years ago. While debatable, the Watson Mill deal wasn't a bad one; in fact, rather innovative. I've never been able to grasp the aerial photographs; I wish someone could manage to explain that even now. Odd how no one ever could. I have to label that a boondoggle and waste at a time of lean revenues when so many are hurting. Everyone should consider the commissioners who voted for this when you go to vote soon; vote them out if there is a choice!

#1.1.1 Ben Had on 07/13/12 at 05:59 AM [Reply]

"The county re-assessed property values and most were reduced, mine significantly".

Mine was reduced too, but my personal home and acreage has lost about $100,000(30%) in value over the last few years. My property assessment is still about $40,000 higher than a recent apprasisal by an unbiased appraiser.
The county has inflated the value of my property at this point.

#1.1.1.1 Ms.K on 07/13/12 at 05:11 PM [Reply]

So what you're saying it that the county valuation is inflated due to deflation of actual value. I'm curious if you had the appraisal done as part of an application for an adjusment in valuation. If so, did the county turn you down? and why, if you don't mind?

#2 Local on 07/10/12 at 02:06 PM [Reply]

Increased taxes and land sold at auction or steep discounts helped some in the 1930s did it not. Long memories exist in MC.

#3 Anonymous on 07/10/12 at 03:01 PM [Reply]

no tax increase, however; lets start a road tax (TSPLOST) to get a bunch of roads repaved. Taxes may not go up, but you can bet that certain county fees will go up as soon as the BOC decides it needs money for something.

#4 Anonymous on 07/11/12 at 01:27 PM [Reply]

TENS OF THOUSANDS wasted on Animal Control, TENS OF THOUSANDS theft of taxpayer money to BAIL OUT Watson Mill, TENS OF THOUSANDS utterly WASTED on aerial pictures duplicating what Google does for free.......................and now Madison County is broke and in the red.

What say you Mr. Bond, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Youngblood, Mr. Dove? WE TOLD YOU SO!

#4.1 Virginia Moss on 07/13/12 at 03:34 PM [Reply]

Maybe you did, but others didn't let their representatives know their opposition to the aerial photography, at least not in time to beat the vote. After the vote many folks were and still are upset, including me. I have never been able to understand why this is an asset to Madison County and I really tried. Mr. Bond never replied to my email about it, but Mr. Dove did and even talked to me further by telephone. He was not in favor of the aerial photography at the time of the vote though he supported the idea. He thought it was not the time for this expenditure, but he doesn't have a vote except in a tie vote of the commission. So don't blame him for the waste.

How has money been wasted on animal control; can you clarify your accusation?

I thought the Watson Mill Bridge State Park reopening was an innovative solution to something the county both wants and needs to stimulate its economy. A little here, a little there, some help from the state, the county and private citizens is a good mix.

#4.1.1 Anonymous on 07/14/12 at 03:12 AM [Reply]

"A little here, a little there.." Agree. But only when we can afford it. Obviously we cannot afford and and the time to spend was not and is not now. Now we're flat broke.

Important Rule: Only spend on the bare essentials in lean times. Parks, aerial pictures, dog food and kitty litter are not bare essentials. They are luxuries we cannot afford at this time.

A little here and a little there still adds up to A LOT.

#4.1.1.1 Donna on 07/16/12 at 11:28 AM [Reply]

Absolutely right.

#4.1.1.2 Taxed on 07/16/12 at 12:38 PM [Reply]

Why do people keep saying Madison County is flat broke? In the red?? I believe the reserve fund is over $4 million.

#5 Local on 07/13/12 at 09:25 AM [Reply]

I think we should have person in charge of animal control run for election

#5.1 Anonymous on 07/13/12 at 05:15 PM [Reply]

You mean for commission chairman so he can keep the commissioners on a short leash? Tee, hee, hee.

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County gov’t anticipates sharp revenue drop

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County gov’t anticipates sharp revenue drop

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