Gwinnett County residents are unlikely to see a property tax hike this year despite a recent staff proposal to increase the county tax rate.
Last week the county finance department unveiled two options for the property tax rate: maintain it at $13.02 per thousand dollars of assessed value or raise it to $13.80. The second option would represent a 6 percent increase, costing the owner of a $170,000 house an extra $45.24 a year on his tax bill.
But county commissioners dismissed the idea of a tax increase in subsequent interviews with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
"Not on my vote," said Chairwoman Charlotte Nash said, when asked if the commission would raise the tax rate.
The county relies heavily on property taxes to pay for basic services like police and fire protection. But the value of all taxable property in Gwinnett has fallen about 25 percent since 2008. With another 8.3 percent decrease expected this year, the county general fund would lose about $14.8 million in revenue if commissioners keep the tax rate the same.
That is not enough to convince Nash to raise taxes.
"We built the budget on keeping the tax rate the same as 2011," she said.
Other commissioners also dismissed a tax increase.
"Fortunately, we've managed our finances that we've been able to weather the storm," said Commissioner Mike Beaudreau. "Like all households, we've had to tighten our belts."
"If we keep [the tax rate] the same, there's sure to be some services that have to be cut back," said Commissioner Lynette Howard. "But it's the fiscally responsible thing to do."
Any decisions about services likely would come this fall as Gwinnett prepares its 2013 budget.
A 21 percent Gwinnett tax rate hike in 2009 sparked a public outcry. Since then, commissioners have not raised taxes and lowered the rate slightly last year.
Commissioners will formally adopt this year's tax rate on July 17.
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