
Sharon Evans has been appointed to serve as the new Walker County Tax Commissioner, following the retirement of longtime commissioner Carolyn Walker, who stepped down last week after more than 25 years of service to focus on her health.

Sharon Evans has been appointed to serve as the new Walker County Tax Commissioner, following the retirement of longtime commissioner Carolyn Walker, who stepped down last week after more than 25 years of service to focus on her health.

The Chattooga County Tax Assessor’s Office has announced that the tax books are now open for the return of 2026 state and county taxes, with property owners required to make their return on or before April 1, 2026.

State Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, R-Rome, says rising housing costs are one of the biggest threats facing Georgia families and argues that lawmakers must act to protect homeownership opportunities across the state.

Several measures that could affect residents in Northwest Georgia are still alive in the Georgia General Assembly after lawmakers met last week’s Crossover Day deadline, one of the most important milestones of the legislative session. Crossover Day marks the point when most bills must pass either the House or Senate in order to continue moving forward this year, and a number of proposals tied to schools, taxes, public safety, and the courts made it through.

For many families in Chattooga County, housing is still considered “more affordable than the big cities” — but that doesn’t mean it feels affordable on a local paycheck.

Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) is praising the Senate Committee on Finance after it approved Senate Bill 382, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R–Rome). The bill is a Senate Majority Caucus priority for the 2026 Legislative Session.

Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton is reminding residents that about 1,900 parcels remain unpaid for 2025 property taxes that were due December 10, 2025. Hampton says delinquent letters will be mailed out this week and encourages anyone who may have missed a bill to make payment soon to avoid added costs.

Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton is reminding residents that the tax books are now open for the return of 2026 State and County taxes, and all required returns must be filed on or before April 1, 2026.

Chattooga County property owners have just nine days left to pay their 2025 property taxes. Earlier this year, Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen and Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton announced that the deadline would be extended to Tuesday, December 10, 2025, giving residents extra time after a delay in the mailing of tax bills.