Fulton County’s questionable property assessments
I just went through the aggravation of sending in my property assessment appeal online at the Fulton County assessor’s web site. In my case, the outrageous assessment increase from last year was 36 percent. I would ask that The Atlanta Journal-Constitution do an investigation into the Fulton County assessor. Specific items would include: How often does a real person, from the assessor’s office, go out and do an assessment versus doing comparables from a database? How does the assessor’s office justify a 36 percent increase in one year? What is the average increase in one year for North Fulton vs. South Fulton? What is the percentage of appeals submitted by personal property owners? Of the initial appeals, what percentage is denied? Of the second appeals, which go to the Board of Equalization, what percentage is denied?
DEAN HEINZ, JOHNS CREEK
“Breaking news” announcements disrespect audience
Interruptions in real-time programming for “breaking news” announcements are out of control. The key ingredient required for any interruption is the need for the audience to know right now instead of during regular news. Sadly, most do not pass the test. Radio and TV consumers generally tune in for the scheduled programming. To interrupt with some inane piece of news in order to be “up to the minute” shows a lack of respect for the audience’s time and attention. Outlets that boast “You heard it here first” should also add “You smelled it here first” because this type of program management really stinks!
WILLIAM TIDWELL, DUNWOODY
Bad decisions at APS
As cheating again rears its head in Atlanta Public Schools, it may be helpful to recount leadership decisions which haunt APS. APS would not hold the line in spite of having underfunded pension problems and joined Atlanta in raising pension benefits for certain support employees a few years ago. APS agreed to ignore its students and give up a revenue stream for the Beltline project. APS continues to reflect a higher than average expense level for total leadership expenses as compared to other area school districts. The cost to maintain an Atlanta Police Department-supported school security force exceeds the costs of other area districts which have opted for their own security organizations. The city also clings to real-estate ownership documents which have the potential to become a source of supplemental revenue. These are but a few of the decisions which impact financial resources which could be better directed to a longer school day and year.
ROGER KUBLER, ALPHARETTA
