Ron "Double" Cross at his best.
Columbia County wants your economic stimulus check!
OK, maybe I'm exaggerating or overreacting to the recent increase in property tax assessment received from Columbia County.
Maybe I'm hallucinating, but didn't I see some recent statistics published by The Augusta Chronicle showing a decline in the average sale price for homes sold in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to 2007, with an associated decline in sales volume for the Augusta area? Or maybe I'm experiencing short-term memory loss associated with aging, but didn't I read a recent business section article titled "More homeowners face foreclosure"?
It's sad but true. Columbia County wants your economic stimulus check. How else could one explain Columbia County's annual increase in property tax assessment the past few years? If you call the tax office, they would say it's the law that they have to reassess your property every year. Actually the Georgia Department of Revenue only addresses how to perform the assessment, not when. So we are at the mercy of the Columbia County Tax Assessor's Office. Did I mention that the millage rate also went up? That's what called a double-whammy for those keeping score.
I could look at the situation as a half-full glass, especially since I'm not among some of the homeowners in my neighborhood who haven't been able to sell his/her home for the past six to 12 months even with price reduction and different Realtors. OK, so after the increased property tax bill and the increased in cost-of-living expenses, maybe I can enjoy a round of golf at First Tee to really help stimulate this stagnant economy.
Now that I have exhaled, let me correct myself: Columbia County wants part of your economic stimulus check!
Hung Do, Evans
Comments
Ron "Double" Cross at his best.
A person of Mr. Ho's intelligence is a bane to bureaucrats everywhere.
Another one who needs to be told that when the Federal government gives us something, the State government finds ways to get it from the Federal, even in a tax rebate! This is no surprise, so I don't understand how it is that this author didn't get that yet?
The Republicans taxing people? Gasp!
Did you all read the comments in the paper one of these last few days, where the woman said she spent her entire $600 check at the mall on clothes? WHAT?! Hope she doesn't come looking for a handout because now she's broke! I would have loved to spend mine up, and of course this Shanika or whatever her name was, could do as she likes with hers, but I know that things are not going to be looking good in our economy. Fun stuff like clothes are just going to have to wait.
If you are going to complain about your valuation this link might be a help to you.
http://www.city-data.com/city/Martinez-Georgia.html
It shows have sales have dropped in zip 30907 and how prices peaked last year.
I only wish my house was worth what the county says it is. People of Columbia County - check with the tax assessor's office NOW to see exactly what you're paying taxes on. I think most of you will be surprised to find out the information they have on file for your property is wrong and you're paying too much in taxes. The deadline for filing an appeal is fast approaching.
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