The following was sent today to those state legislators who publish an email address, as well as widely copied to media outlets and others:
CC: widely to legislators, media, others
RE: Property tax relief in 2006
Dear Legislator,
You will be asked to consider a number of bills in the upcoming session designed to protect Georgia taxpayers from rising property tax bills or to improve the millage rate public hearing process. Some proposals will update the “Taxpayers Bill of Rights” millage rollback (OCGA 48-5.32.1) while others seek to amend the state constitution.
I have reviewed many of those proposals and am available to discuss them with you. I can proudly say, however, that this simple bill to codify the millage rate calculation procedure that has been recommended and taught by the Department of Revenue for years will result in an IMMEDIATE tax cut for most Georgia property owners in the first year following enactment and protect them from “back door” tax increases resulting from rising assessments in following years.
http://www.millagerate.com/law/bill.htm
This bill accomplishes that and more:
1. It SIMPLIFIES the millage calculation process for cities, counties and school boards. The complicated and ineffective millage rollback is eliminated;
2. Not only does it eliminate systematic overtaxation, but it also ensures that no taxing authority UNDERFUNDS its budget by adopting an insufficient tax rate;
3. It ELIMINATES the need for constitutional amendments limiting property tax assessments, which cause inequities in the tax digest. A mathematical millage acts as its own “value offset exemption” or “assessment freeze.” Because this bill is NOT a constitutional amendment, you will be able to give your constituents meaningful property tax relief SOONER;
4. This law will not generate a legal challenge on constitutional grounds as have property assessment “freezes.” This bill merely codifies a procedure that has been taught and recommended by the Department of Revenue for decades;
5. Not only does this bill protect taxpayers from tax increases resulting from rising assessments, but for the first time taxpayers will actually be able to BENEFIT from rising property values in the form of LOWER TAX BILLS. This bill will provide significant relief to the elderly and others on fixed incomes in fast-growing areas, people who are currently being “taxed off” of their homesteads;
6. This bill promotes HONESTY in the property tax process. No longer will a city, county or school board tell its taxpayers that it needs a certain amount of property tax revenue, then adopt a tax rate that TAKES MORE tax dollars from them than necessary. This bill will also promote stability and predictability in the tax process;
7. This bill will force elected officials to “EARN” their tax cut by holding the line on the cost of government. It will also provide actual incentive to identify and implement non-tax revenue sources such as impact fees, local option sales taxes, etc., to minimize the taxing authority’s dependence on property taxes.
I know that you’ve seen more than your share of political showmanship in support of this or that legislation. However, I can PROVE, mathematically, the benefits described above and would appreciate the opportunity to do so. I can also show you how to explain to your constituents how this bill will benefit them.
While a number of legislators have expressed an interest in this legislation, I am still seeking sponsors. I am available to speak or meet with you, at your convenience, to discuss your support of this important legislation.
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