Glynn County commissioners denied two requests to refund interest and penalties on property taxes after tax office staff said the additional charges resulted from timing and unpaid balances.

The commission considered Item 13, a request from Andrew Millian (transcript spelling varies between Millian and Milligan) for a refund of $2,434.81 in interest and penalties for 2024 property taxes on parcel 0412869 at 158 Stillwater Drive, St. Simons Island. Millian said he did not receive the tax bill because it was mailed to an old address; he said he paid the full amount once he discovered the bill and asked for a refund or credit toward 2025 taxes. Tax office staff responded that the office mailed bills to the address on file and that taxpayers remain responsible for payment by the due date; additional interest and penalties were added because of the timing between mailing and payment. A motion to deny the refund request passed on a motion and second.

Item 14 was a refund request from Leanne Summer Kemp, manager of Cottage 178 LLC, for $621.33 in interest and penalties on parcel 0500251. Staff explained the additional charges stemmed from timing associated with an appeal and the issuance of a final bill; commissioners moved and seconded a motion to deny that refund request as well and the commission approved the denial.

Both denials were carried by motion and second. Tax office staff noted procedures were followed in mailing notices and that the additional interest and penalties reflected the statutory timelines for billing and payment.

The commission adjourned after the vote.