Defying state lawmakers bent on reshaping Fulton County government, county commissioners Wednesday spurned a state law to cap county property taxes for the next two years, then unveiled a proposed tax hike.
They proposed a new levy to cover Fulton’s contribution to Grady Hospital. The proposal would cost the owner of a $200,000 house an extra $75 a year. Though Fulton’s general fund tax rate would decline slightly, the result would be a net tax increase of 1.49 mills if commissioners approve the new tax rates next month.
It’s unclear whether the proposed tax hike would violate provisions of the tax cap imposed by the General Assembly. But the county’s stand is sure to inflame a running showdown with north Fulton Republicans who say the county spends too much. And the outcome of the dispute could reverberate far from Fulton County.
Commissioners voted to repeal the new Fulton property tax-cap law after being advised they could. Acting County Attorney James Ramsey said the constitution gives counties the authority to repeal certain state laws that apply solely to that jurisdiction. Other legal experts aren’t sure about that.
The board will take a second vote in July to make its repeal of House Bill 604 official. The General Assembly approved that measure in March and Gov. Nathan Deal signed it last month. It would prohibit Fulton commissioners from raising property tax rates until 2015 and would require a supermajority of commissioners to raise taxes after that.
via Fulton defies Legislature, considers tax hike | www.myajc.com.
Comments ( 0 )