Fulton sets 2009 tax rate

By D.L. Bennett

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Fulton County commissioners agreed Wednesday to keep the countywide tax rate the same for 2009.

Meanwhile, residents of unincorporated south Fulton will pay a 2.5-mill tax hike.

The board set the rates during a special night meeting held in Sandy Springs at the north Fulton government annex. The board normally meets in downtown Atlanta at 10 a.m.

The 7 p.m. meeting in north Fulton was part of an effort by county commissioners to engage residents of more far-flung parts of the county. A similar upcoming meeting will be held in south Fulton.

Residents of unincorporated south Fulton will see property taxes rise about $150 for the owner of a $200,000 home with homestead. The countywide rate remains at 10.28 mills, a rate that would cost that same homeowner about $615 in taxes for services like courts, health centers, libraries and senior services.

Many property owners will end up paying more in property taxes this year, despite falling property values. Because most assessments haven’t fallen very far and the state eliminated its homestead tax credit, the net result is increased taxes.