Property Appraisals Topic at Monthly PRISM Meeting

The attendance at the monthly PRISM Meeting which took place at St. Timothy’s Methodist Church in Stone Mountain on Thursday night, was standing room only. Residents packed the room to hear a panel of DeKalb County tax officials provide information about recent property appraisals and the tax assessment process.

Joe Arrington, a PRISM board member, opened the session and explained the intent of the meeting.  “The purpose of tonight’s meeting is to help homeowners understand the general process of tax assessment.  It is not for answering personal questions about individual assessments," said Arrington.

The panel, which included a member of the Board of Property Tax Assessors, the Chief Property Tax Appraiser, and the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner, as well as other county officials, spoke to the audience about how the county sets tax policies, compiles information, the tax payers appeal process, and how millage rates are determined.

“It’s our job to locate and properly assess the value of all residential and commercial properties”, said Robert Burroughs, a member of the Board of Property Tax Assessors.   

Calvin Hicks, the DeKalb County Chief Property Tax Assessor, explained his role in the tax assessment process and addressed the decline in housing values.  "We were mandated to include distressed properties in our marketing values," said Hicks.  “If you happen to live in Stone Mountain where there is a large quantity of distressed value properties, it will have an impact.  Until the inventory of distressed valued homes moves through, we will [continue] to have the gyrations we see in the housing market," continued Hicks.

Hicks also talked about the recent passage of Senate Bill 346 and the role that the State legislature plays in assessing property taxes.  “The Board of Tax Assessors does not create values," said Hicks.  “Our job is to reflect the values as they occur—whether they are up or down.”

Arrington discussed the role that the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners plays in determining taxes.  “Their role is essential because they determine the millage rate." He continued by saying that the millage rate had not yet been decided. “The final decision will be made by July 12th,” said Arrington.

Claudia Lawson, the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner, had this to say: “A lot of people don’t understand the difference between the tax assessor and the tax collector.  I’m responsible for billing you.”  Lawson also told the audience to feel free to call her office about any questions or problems.  “I talk to all taxpayers when I am in the office.  I do not use voicemail."

Lawson stated that August 15 was the tentative date for billing since the millage rate had not yet been determined.  “Your first installment would be due by September 30th,”added Lawson.

Several elected officials, including DeKalb County Commissioners Sharon Barnes-Sutton, Lee May and Kathy Gannon, State Representatives Michele Henson and Pam Stephenson,  and Senator Steve Henson, were in attendance.