The showdown over whether the state can single out Fulton County to limit its ability to raise taxes will now be settled in the courts.
The Fulton Commission adopted Aug. 6 a general fund millage rate of 11.781 mills, a 17 percent increase for property owners. The vote was 4-3 with Commissioners Liz Hausmann, Joan Garner and Robb Pitts dissenting.
That vote not only put the county in contravention of the General Assembly legislation barring Fulton from raising taxes until 2015, it also triggered a lawsuit from Fulton County legislators.
Their opponents were ready.
Just hours after the vote, attorney Josh Belinfante, a law partner with Robbins Firm, filed suit on behalf of six Fulton County state representatives, including Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones, who authored the bill, and one former state representative.
The others are Rep. Lynne Riley (R-Johns Creek), Rep. Rep. Harry Geisinger (R-Roswell/Sandy Springs), Rep. Joe Wilkinson (R-Atlanta), Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta), Rep. Wendell Willard (R-Sandy Springs) and Edward Lindsey, the former representative.
They sought a preliminary and permanent injunction against the Fulton County Commission to halt the tax increase. That would prevent the tax increase from going forward at least until there is a judge’s ruling.
“We’re committed to upholding state law and the Georgia Constitution and protecting Fulton County taxpayers,” said Jones.
via NorthFulton.com | Fulton headed to court over 17% tax hike.
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