Linda Wells, vice chairman, Fayette County Commission, brought a “state of the county” address to the Metro Fayette Kiwanis.

She explained that under the current administration, the property tax rates have been reduced by nearly 22 percent in the past four-year time span. The Fire Tax rate has decreased just over 18 percent in that same time line.

A homeowner in the unincorporated area of the county with a home valued at $300,000 saved $228.77 a year with the rollback.

“While the current administration’s policy is to avoid property tax increases,” she said, “the average homeowner is still seeing real dollar property tax increases on their tax bill.

“The Board of Education has seen an increase of nearly 4 percent in the past four years, although the School Bond tax Rate had decreased by 3.5 percent in that time.

“In this same time frame, Peachtree City has seen an increase of just over 22 percent, the Fayetteville tax rate has decreased almost 6 percent, the Tyrone tax rate has increased 16 percent, and the Brooks tax rate has decreased .231 percent”

“The State tax rate,” she added, “ has remained the same for those four years.”

She also explained the 9-1-1 actions necessary for handling emergencies.

If calling from home, give the location address, your name, the phone number and describe the problem. While a 911 call from a payphone is free, you must still give the above information.

If calling from a cell phone, you must give the cell phone number you are calling from, the location address, your name, and describe the problem.

If you cannot reach 911 from your cellular phone, hang up and dial *GSP (*477) if you are traveling in Georgia.

When calling from work, remember to dial any necessary prefixes to get an outside line. The 911 operator will automatically be given the location of your workplace but you must give the exact location you are within the building.

Give the operator the floor, room number and any other specific directions for the emergency personnel to reach the emergency area.

If you are unable to speak, after dialing 911, tap on the phone once for yes and twice for no. If you are calling from a landline, the operator will automatically have your location information.

In all instances, stay on the phone as long as it is safe.

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