Assessment `Freeze` Challenge Finally Goes to Court
A two-year-old challenge to the homestead assessment `freeze` in Dade County, GA has finally gone to court. Superior Court Judge Brian House is expected to rule soon in a case that could set a precedence for ending unconstitutional assessment caps across the state.
Former County Commissioner Rex Blevins sued the county, alleging that the law that `freezes` a property’s value for tax purposes creates a special class of taxpayer, which is prohibited by the state Constitution.
We have published numerous articles on the harm to taxpayers inherent in the assessment caps.
Blevins and Townley made the argument during the hearing that granting a tax exemption to people eligible to apply for it in that year puts them in a favored class over those who buy later, offending standards of uniformity. “What you’re basically saying is, if you’re living right here and you’re voting right now, you’re going to get a tax break and we’re going to take care of you, compared to other folks that come in and buy property later,” said Townley.
Your Comments