Wednesday, March 20, 2002
|
Wednesday, March 20, 2002 |
|
Property assessment freeze for PTC seniors faces tough road By JOHN
MUNFORD
More information is needed before the Peachtree City Council decides on a proposal to freeze property assessments for citizens over 70 years old. The estimate provided by city staff concluded that the city would lose $33,614 on the initiative that would affect 1,237 homes. That averages to $27.17 per year for each home. Those figures were based on the latest U.S. Census results, but Councilman Steve Rapson suggested that Fayette County Tax Commissioner George Wingo could provide more concrete numbers. The property assessment freeze, which would be lifted when the home is sold, is not a done deal. First, the Georgia legislature must approve legislation allowing it in Peachtree City. Second, the initiative must be approved by a majority of residents in a city-wide referendum. Peachtree City resident Jim Toombs said he felt the initiative was too much work considering the minor financial effect it would have on seniors. Mayor Steve Brown argued that he has heard talk of a number of senior citizens moving to adjacent communities like Sharpsburg because of the lower property taxes. Brown pointed out that citizens don't impact the school system or road system during peak traffic periods, while Toombs argued they use other city services such as the Gathering Place and ambulance services. Councilwoman Annie McMenamin said senior citizens will want to know what services are being cut in return for the benefit. Rapson said the freeze on property assessments would help seniors whose only income is their retirement plan and Social Security.
|
||