Governor Nathan Deal signed House Bill 604 effectively placing a freeze on property taxes in Fulton County for the next two years. The controversial bill states that the Fulton County Commission may not raise property tax rates until 2015. After that, a raise in property taxes would require a minimum of 5 of 7 commissioner votes. Republican lawmakers from Fulton County believe this will serve as a wake-up call to the County Commission as well as put an end to wasteful spending. The property tax revenue, which comprises most of Fulton County’s general fund, is seen as the best way to limit expenditures, which Governor Deal says are disproportionate to other areas of similar size. Critics of the policy say that the tax freeze will have far reaching consequences including decreased funding to Grady Hospital, as well as other popular services provided to residents. Additionally, Fulton County Democrats are claiming the bill is just a hasty response to a non-existent problem and that property taxes haven’t been raised since 1991. Democrats are not the only opponents of the law, however, as some Republicans in Fulton County believe that this meddling of the state government into local affairs will set a dangerous micromanaging precedent.
More from the Council for Quality Growth:
March 27, 2023
Under the Gold Dome Week 11 – 2023
State lawmakers convened this week…
March 27, 2023
Atlanta City Council Introduces Resolution to Set Tree Canopy Goal
During the March 20, 2023 Atlanta City Council meeting, Councilmembers…
March 27, 2023
Tony Tarnacki Appointed as Forsyth Assistant County Manager
Tony Tarnacki has been appointed to the position of Assistant County Manager effective March 27, 2023. Tarnacki will be replacing former Assistant County Manager Brandon…
March 20, 2023
2023 State of Clayton County
Chairman Jeffrey E. Turner Delivers State of Clayton to Sold Out Crowd On March 15, 2023, the Council for Quality Growth and Clayton County hosted…
March 20, 2023
Atlanta Beltline Breaks Ground on Southside Trail in Grant Park & Glenwood Park
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta Beltline, Inc. leaders and community members broke ground on the new 1.2-mile section of the Beltline’s Southside Trail. Known as Segments 4 and…
March 20, 2023
Under the Gold Dome Week 10 – 2023
State lawmakers convened this week…