The odds of getting a local government to reduce a property tax bill appear to be affected in part on where Georgia residents live.
Tens of thousands of homeowners have protested government estimates of home values as the housing market has plummeted. The more a home is worth, the more money the owner must pay in property taxes.
An analysis by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution showed that residents of Clayton, Fayette and Gwinnett counties appeared to be the most successful. Residents in Douglas, Rockdale and Cobb counties faced the longest odds of success.
Critics of the appraisal process say governments try to protect government budgets by overvaluing homes. Appraisers say differences in appeal rates reflect market forces and other factors.
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The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:47 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:47:46 GMT
Atlanta fire crews are battling a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown.
Atlanta fire crews battled a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown on Tuesday morning. Authorities say the fire sparked at United Transmission Service, which is located at 350 Marietta Street NW.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:45 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:45:02 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:57 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:57:46 GMT
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Tuesday morning.
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Tuesday morning. Fire crews say the bus stalled on the railroad tracks in downtown Decatur, and those onboard had just seconds to get out before an oncoming train hit it.
