Are Fayette County property assessments too high?

We’ve been following the property tax assessment controversy in Fulton County, which recently resulted in the county freezing assessments for this year.

But there are similar concerns in Fayette County, where more residents than usual are appealing assessments they claim are too high.

Housing growth in Fayette has continued steadily following the recession rebound, and large new developments Fayetteville and Peachtree City underscore the area’s desirability.

But numerous homeowners are claiming that their property has been valued — and being taxed — significantly higher than what the actual resale value would currently be.

According to the county website, “County appraisers research and study approximately 3,000 Fayette County sales each year... [and] collect data on the local market” to determine current fair market value. Property owners who think their assessments are incorrect may file an appeal.

Joel Benton, chief appraiser for the Fayette County Board of Assessors, said his office has received 2,338 appeals out of approximately 43,000 assessments — nearly double the 1,256 appeals received last year. If you’re a Fayette homeowner,

do youfeel about your assessment this year? Did you take any action? Tell us at communitynews@ajc.com by Tuesday; replies may be published in print or online.