Important Info on Assessments, Library/Senior Services and COVID Updates
June 24, 2021
2021 PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS
Tax assessments for 2021 have now gone out, and I urge you to review your notice to be sure it's accurate. I always remind you that the assessment is NOT a bill and you have the right to appeal. The assessments were sent via US Mail and are also available online.
Your assessment is based on the characteristics of your property (e.g. size of the parcel, square footage of the home, upgrades such as swimming pools), as well as the property's fair market value based on recent sales.
Given the 'hot' residential market, it should be no surprise that many will see an increase in their assessed value. However, there are a number of homestead and other exemptions in place for residential property that serve to reduce your final property tax bill. These include various 'floating' exemptions put in place just a few years ago that will place a cap on the amount that the Net Taxable Value of your property can grow.
Please carefully review your assessment to be sure you're receiving the Homestead Exemptions you're entitled to. In fact, it's wise to review your 2020 assessment to see what exemptions you received last year and check to see they were again applied this year. Find more information on the exemptions available in Fulton County -- basic, senior, floating and more -- in our 2021 HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION GUIDE.
Remember, your assessment is NOT a tax bill. The numbers you see on your notice are an estimate of the taxes you may pay. You will receive an actual tax bill after the County, cities and school systems set their millage rate in the months ahead. Once rates are set, your taxes are calculated by: Taxable Value x Millage Rate = Property Tax Amount.
If you believe your property tax assessment is inaccurate, you can appeal by the date printed on your assessment notice. Complete info on the APPEAL PROCESS is available.
LIBRARIES
We were thrilled to finally welcome back everyone to the 32 library branches in Fulton County on June 1, 2021. Our libraries that principally serve District 2 -- Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton and Sandy Springs -- are the busiest ones in the entire County and like me, I know a lot of you were anxious to see them reopen. I encourage everyone to take advantage of our library services.
Hours are Monday and Tuesday from 10 am - 8 pm, Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am - 6 pm
Computer use is available to patrons for one hour per day, six days a week
Patrons are asked to wear masks (regardless of vaccination status) and maintain social distancing
Self-serve options remain in place, including self-checkout machines
Curbside services will no longer be available
In addition to the full-time reopening, libraries have kicked off the annual Summer Reading Program. This year's theme is "Tails and Tales." Activities will include outdoor storytime, take-home activities and streaming storytimes. REGISTER and get started logging your books!
Just as our library patrons love their books and reading, senior citizens in Fulton County are among the most actively involved in the state. You can imagine how disconnected older folks felt when the pandemic hit and senior centers were forced to close.
Our top priority in Fulton County is to ensure the health of our most vulnerable population. The COVID-19 vaccine was administered at all senior living facilities and made readily available to all other seniors. I am pleased to say that today, over 90% of people over 65 in Fulton County are now fully vaccinated.
During all of this, our amazing senior services staff stepped up to the plate and did "virtually" amazing things. Seniors had access to a long list of online classes, from computer training to line dancing to cooking. Meals were available for curbside pickup and tens of thousands were delivered to those without transportation.
Plans are now underway to resume limited in-person senior services in mid-July and offer full access in early August.
For more information on Senior Services, call our STARline at 404-613-6000.
UPDATED COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION
As of mid-June, the 7-day average for COVID-19 cases is the lowest ever tracked. The percentage of positive cases is also at its lowest level (1.3%). In addition, over 50% of all County residents have received at lease one vaccine dosage and the County has vaccinated more than 500,000 people at its various vaccination sites and events.
Fulton continues to make the vaccine readily available at several fixed locations, various libraries and via our mobile units that travel throughout the County. No appointments are necessary, and there are evening and weekend hours for your convenience. You are encouraged to get vaccinated to decrease your likelihood of contracting the virus.
If you need more information or have questions, please feel to reach out to me or my staff. We are available to make sure that you are getting the services and response you expect from Fulton County.
Commissioner Bob Ellis bob.ellis@fultoncountyga.gov
404-612-8216
