Local resident urges Tift County officials to address property tax assessment discrepancies

Concerns over property assessment discrepancies took center stage at the Tift County Board of Commissioners meeting, as residents voiced frustrations regarding the handling of home valuations. A local resident highlighted significant disparities in property assessments, particularly in neighborhoods where homes sold for much less than their assessed values.

The speaker detailed a troubling trend, noting that three homes sold at prices significantly below their prior assessed values, despite improvements made to the properties, including one with a new in-ground pool. This resident claimed that the county's assessors had been aware of these discrepancies since July but had failed to take corrective action.

Citing state regulations, the resident argued that properties should not be assessed above their sale price unless there is clear evidence of substantial improvements. They pointed out that the county had been out of compliance with state regulations for only two years, making the assessment of homes sold for more than their prior values particularly relevant.

During the meeting, the resident also criticized the county's appraisal process, claiming that the firm hired for assessments had not addressed numerous errors, despite being paid over $700,000. They called for the county commission to consider a referendum to review the work performed by the appraisal firm, emphasizing the need for accountability and accuracy in property assessments.

The ongoing issues with property valuations have left many residents frustrated, as the tax commissioner's office struggles to send out tax bills while appeals remain unresolved. The resident's passionate plea underscored the urgency for the county to address these assessment inconsistencies and restore trust among taxpayers.