NEWS . . . FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, March 14, 2008
From: Martin Hawley, the Office of State Representative Calvin Hill

Daily View From The Hill:

Calvin Hill

March 14 , 2008

Town Hall Truth

Last night was a wonderful example of democracy in action. The Cherokee Legislative Delegation held a Town Hall meeting to respond to questions regarding the proposed property tax bills that will be voted by the citizens of this state next fall.

There have been rumors and false assumptions leading to a bit of apprehension by many. But, by the end of the night, I believe that most of these had been put to rest.

The following is a quick recap of the major points.

• The Constitution of Georgia requires that ad valorum tax changes like this can only be decided by the voters, the Legislature if prohibited from making these changes.
• The property tax “freeze” will NOT be a reduction in taxes. No school system, county or city will receive any less money – now or in the future.
• In effect, this proposal will make property taxes fairer by raising everybody’s tax evenly, not like now where some folks get a 37% increase and some get none.
• The schools, cities and counties throughout the state can still raise as much money as they want by just increasing their mileage rate. It will become an open process, rather than the “back door” tax increases we all face now.

That’s it – so simple yet so misrepresented by many. Your taxes will not go down, but your future increases will be limited. Isn’t that the way it should be?  Fair and beneficial to all concerned.