One of the leading proponents of Tuesday night's 34 percent millage rate hike in Clayton County isn't on the tax rolls.
County Commission Vice Chairman Wole Ralph's name does not appear on property tax lists dating back to 2005 because, he said, he lost the home he used to own in a divorce. His four commission colleagues are all listed on the tax rolls in good standing.
The tax-paying status of county officials came up several times Tuesday night during the public hearing on the tax hike. The increase, which pushes the millage rate from 11.327 to 15.813 for the general fund plus another .5 mill on the fire fund, was passed in a 3-2 vote. Ralph was one of the commissioners who voted for the increase.
Property owners will see the new rate in their 2011 tax bills sent out in mid-September.
The tax hike sparked anger from residents who said the county is trying to balance the $167 million fiscal 2012 budget, which began July 1, on the backs of property owners.
Community activist Rosa Barbee of Rex criticized Ralph for his involvement in the voting process.
"If they don't pay any property taxes, I don't think any commissioner has a right to vote or have any input on those kinds of decisions," Barbee said.
"I owned a house in Clayton until my divorce," said Ralph, 33, a commissioner for seven years. He said his ex-wife got the house as part of the divorce settlement. "I paid property taxes while I was married."
Ralph said he is in the process of buying the Jonesboro home he now rents.
"I’ve been incredibly invested in this county and I've worked hard throughout the state and the nation to bring business and opportunities to the county," he said. "I've paid property taxes previously. I will pay property taxes upon closing on my house."
As for the tax hike, Barbee complained that "the budget's not clear. They're basing the numbers off the decline in home values. But they didn't show the citizens where the money was spent."
"I understand their concerns and sympathize," Ralph said. "The decision was one that the board struggled with. But the fact of the matter is, most Clayton property owners will receive a significant tax decrease."
Residents at Tuesday's meeting were told the average Clayton homeowner will pay about $90 less than what they paid in property taxes in 2009.
“I support the property tax increase to prevent furloughing employees," said Dr. Henry Anderson, a family physician who lives in unincorporated Clayton. "The county departments are understaffed and furlough days would have hurt people, county services and staff morale.”
Commissioners' tax bills
Here's a look at Clayton County commissioners' 2010 property tax bills due Nov. 15, 2010. Commissioner Wole Ralph is not listed on the property tax rolls.
Taxpayer Fair Market Value Assessed Value Tax Bill Date Paid
Chairman Eldrin Bell $425,160 $170,064 $2,477.29 Nov. 16, 2010
Michael Edmondson $101,385 $40,554 $1,463.74 Nov. 9, 2010
Gail Hambrick $63,638 $25,455 $550.29 Oct. 21, 2010
Sonna Singleton $80,145 $32,058 $809.55 Nov. 2, 2010
Source: tax commissioner's website.
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