As I said in another post, if the commissioners go through with this increase at this time it will lend even more credibility to rumors that recent assessment increases were the result of a couple of our commissioners trying to cover budget shortfalls via the back door. If they tried to do it the right way - they'd have to raise the millage rate even more and risk public anger.

County operation budgets are being cut and employees are being asked to do more with less. I don't think now is the time to move ahead with spending on parks. We are not immune to what this economy still has to dish out. We have to hold elected and appointed officials responsible for making decisions in this County's best interests. If not, we may end up in worse shape than counties that are having to cut into the heart of esesential services. The millage rate increase for these projects needs to be tabled - at least temporarily.

Beth Tipton

In the FCN today, the school board has adopted a $270 Million Budget, with an 1 point increase in millage rate, according to the article. There will be public hearings and informaiton in the papers regarding those hearings, the first hearing is July 9 at 8:00 am and another at 6:00 pm, - the third hearing wll be at 5:00 pm on July 17th just prior to the regular monthly meeting.

I guess my question then is, does this mean the people of the county are now going to get an increase from the County side of .75 and another 1.0 millage rate increase from the School Board Side for their projected deficit of 9.8 million dollars. And what formula is everyone using to formulate these projected deficits?

What gives??

TerryB 404 966 8986

Perhaps it's purely coincidence - but this is all coming out in dribs and drabs and frankly smells less than upfront and honest. First, huge number of assessments increased on the basis of increases fair market value- though 2007 housing market was in the toilet. Then we get the announcement about the .75 millage increases for the $100 million for parks, rec & green space. Today we find out about 1.00 millage increase to cover nearly $10 million BOE deficit. With both amount to a 7.5% millage increase - so far - more if you're among those who got an assessment increases. You gotta wonder what else the County has in store for us just around the next corner.

If you didn't initially pay close attention to your assessment, go back and look again to be sure you believe it's appropriate. Our own home was assessed on the cost approach rather than the market approach and the county records contained numerous errors which ultimately added more dollars to our assessment. The only way we could tell this is by looking at our online record and asking the county for a copy of our data card. If there is any question about whether your assessment is in line with the market and other homes around yours, file your appeal - the deadline for many is just days away. Your appeal letter does not have to go into great detail initially - in our cases we just indicated we were appealing the appraised and assessed values in the assessment notice. (I will be happy to share a sample letter - email me btipton6785@gmail.com.)

Also, learn more about what's behind the potential millage increases and attend the BOC & BOE meetings. I wonder if some of our elected politicians are banking on the fact that so many live hectic lives, we're coming up on a holiday weekend and may not be paying attention. When you receive the ugly property tax bill in the fall, it'll be too late to do anything. We owe it to ourselves to pay attention and let our voices be heard - whether in agreement or disagreement.

Beth Tipton

NOTICE: DAVE SUCKS.... join this online petition to show your support http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/dave_sucks/