Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry continues to address the frustration by Chattooga County property owners over increased property assessments by taking to social media.  The commissioner has not held or attended a public meeting about the issue.

Around 3 AM on Saturday morning, the commissioner posted a lengthy post on the county’s Facebook Page.  (See full text below).

The commissioner was invited to attend a public town hall meeting held by Chattooga County Concerned Citizens about the tax assessments, but did not attend.

Elsberry is promising to roll back the millage rate to address the increase in property assessments, but even with the rollback, property owners will likely see increased property taxes this fall.

I understand that the assessments and the confusion around them continues to weigh heavily on everyone.
I also realize there is some confusion about the separation between values and what taxes are actually levied by the county.
In 2020, the total digest value was $423,604,025.
The county was set to take in $7,020,813 in property taxes for M&O.
In 2021, my first year in office, the total digest value was $438,199,174.
I did the roll back and the county was set to take in $6,673,779 in property taxes for M&O.
In 2022, the total digest value was $522,695,899. I did the rollback again and the county was set to take in $6,978,567 in property taxes for M&O.
Difference between 2020 and 2021 in county property tax:
$7,020,813-$6,673,779 = $347,034 less property tax
Difference between 2021 and 2022 in county property tax:
$6,978,567-$6,673,779 = $304,788 gained in property tax
$304,788-$347,034 =
-$42,246
So, during my time in office the county has taken no net increased revenue from property taxes and has actually taken in $42,246 less in revenue from property taxes.
As you can see from the numbers, the value of property has increased every year despite the county taking in less revenue from property taxes.
I hope this helps clarify the separation between property values and what the county has actually levied in taxes.
Also just for clarification, I have given no property tax incentives since being in office. Any property tax incentives under economic development for businesses must go through the Chattooga County Development Authority.
Another great resource I would recommend utilizing is the Board of Assessors meetings which are open to the public. They meet Wednesdays at 9am.
I know not everyone can make that time due to work, but, if possible, try to attend. I have found their meetings to be a great resource.
I have no authority over these meetings, but if I have a question or just want to learn more attending these meetings provides a lot of information.
Also, a reminder the assessments that were mailed are not bills. Currently, the assessors office is reviewing everything, working on appeals, and I am staying updated on their progress.
As I have stated before I plan to roll back again this year.
I have no authority over the county school millage rate.
Definition of terms:
Total digest value is of all property owners in the county, the assessed value of the property they own.
M&O stands for Maintenance and Operations.
Also, please call or message me directly if you have any questions.