With several members absent, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners today failed to take the first step in formally approving Fulton’s first countywide property tax rate increase since 1991.
Commissioners needed four votes to advertise a 17.4 percent tax increase that would cost the owner of a $275,000 home an extra $140 a year.
But three commissioners were absent when the property tax hike came up for a vote. And Commissioner Robb Pitts, who opposes the tax increase, voted against advertising it. The issue will be back on the commission’s agenda June 18.
Chairman John Eaves and Commissioners Liz Hausmann did not attend Wednesday’s meeting. Commissioner Tom Lowe arrived late, after the tax vote had already failed.
Wednesday’s vote would not have raised the tax rate. Instead, it would have advertised the proposed new rate and scheduled three hearings to solicit public comment. The schedule for considering the tax hike now will have to be pushed back, according to County Attorney David Ware.
A final vote on the tax hike originally was expected to occur June 25. But Ware said the vote now may not take place until July.
Earlier this year commissioners approved a $625.4 million 2014 general fund budget to pay for countywide services like libraries, courts, social services and elections. The budget assumes commissioners will approve the property tax increase.
Supporters say the increase is needed to maintain vital county services. Opponents say Fulton has lived beyond its means for years and should cut spending instead of raising taxes. They also say the proposed tax increase violates a state law approved last year that prohibits Fulton from raising property tax rates until 2015.
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