MINUTES # 29 -08
The Columbus, Georgia, Board of Tax Assessors met Monday, August 11, 2008 at
9:00AM with Chairman William Braxton, Assessor Lawton Grantham, Assessor
Richard Stallings, Assessor Ann Grantham and Assessor Pat Hunter present. Also
present was Chief Appraiser Betty J. Middleton.
Assessor Lawton Grantham made the motion to approve Min#28-08; Assessor Pat
Hunter seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
The Board signed assessment corrections for real estate.
Mrs. McCullars representing the Tax Commissioner?s Office appeared before the
Board regarding parcel ID 191 028 001. Mrs. McCullars explained their
procedures for directing disabled Veterans to the Board of Tax Assessors?
office to submit VA applications for the Board?s approval.
Met with Mr. Peters and Mrs. Snead (daughter) regarding VA exemption for
Parcel ID 191 028 001. Mr. Peters stated when he made application for homestead
exemption in the Tax Commissioner?s Office, he told the clerk he was a disabled
veteran and offered his papers, but was told she did not need to see them. He
stated that she took his military ID and driver?s license and made a copy of
them. They were not attached to his homestead exemption card. Mr. Peters and
Mrs. Snead came to the Board of Tax Assessors? office after receiving his tax
bill and presented his paperwork relating to the VA application from another
State, but was advised to go to the VA office and get a letter from the Georgia
Veterans Affairs. He brought the VA letter to this office on August 8, 2008.
After much discussion Assessor Pat Hunter made the motion to grant the VA
exemption for 2008; seconded by Assessor Richard Stallings; discussion
followed; motion carried with a 3 to 2 vote; Assessors Lawton Grantham and Ann
Grantham voting no.
Met with Board of Equalization members Mr. Beaudoin and Mr. Carter regarding
their observations in recent Board of Equalization hearings that the Board of
Tax Assessors does not have sufficient staff to carry out what the GA
Department of Revenue?s procedure manual states concerning revaluations. Mr.
Beaudoin and Mr. Carter said that the staff did an excellent job presenting the
cases to the Board of Equalization. The Board of Assessors said they are aware
of the need for more staff and are trying to add appraisal staff. The Board
advised them of recent studies performed of this office and they felt if the
Board of Equalization members want to contact the Mayor presenting their
observations, it could support the Board of Tax Assessors? situation.
Page 2
Min29-08
Met with Commercial Division Manager Linda King, reviewed and approved the
following:
2008 Map Splits: 1
2007 Map Splits: 1
Value Adjustments: 9
Met with Personal Property Division Manager Oliver Juhan, reviewed and approved
the following:
Assessment Corrections: 4(-)
Appeals: 5(-)
Adjourned 11:20AM.
BETTY J. MIDDLETON
Secretary
APPROVED:____________________________________
___________ _______________ ___________ _____________
___________
W B Braxton L E Grantham Jr R L Stallings A C
Grantham P B Hunter
Chairman Assessor Assessor
Assessor Assessor
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