Gwinnett County is expected to lower its 2016 tax rate to account for rising property values.

On Tuesday county commissioners will consider a general fund property tax rate of about $6.83 per $1,000 of assessed value – 5.6 percent less than last year’s rate. Under the new rate, the owners of a $200,000 home would save about $28 on the general fund portion of their tax bill, assuming the value of their property remained unchanged.

Of course, the values of many homes are rising after years of declines brought on by the Great Recession. According to county records, the county’s net tax digest – the value of all property, minus the value of tax exemptions – rose about 6.2 percent this year. So some homeowners will pay more, despite the lower tax rate.

The general fund tax rate pays for countywide services like roads, courts and elections. Gwinnett expects to mail tax bills later this month.

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Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez