Bill would prevent Fulton tax hike

The Fulton County Commission could not raise property taxes until 2015 and would need a supermajority of its members to do so thereafter under a bill introduced in the General Assembly last week.

State lawmakers already are considering a proposal to double Fulton’s property tax homestead exemption. That would mean tax relief for thousands of homeowners, but county officials say it would force cuts to libraries and other popular services.

The new bill, sponsored by Rep. Jan Jones, R-Milton, would prevent commissioners from raising tax rates to make up the revenue lost because of the higher homestead exemption.