By CHIP JONES
Sue Whipkey, tax assessor for Stewart County, who abruptly resigned her post Nov. 13, has apparently returned to her post. The Journal spoke to Whipkey in her office Friday, Nov. 30. The Board of Assessors declined to accept Whipkey’s resignation Nov. 23 and she continues to perform duties as assessor.
Technical Appraisal Services of Georgia in Macon had done an appraisal of the county’s tax digest in 2009. The governor froze taxes that year because of the recession. The firm had agreed to come back and do readjustments. Some taxpayers lobbied the county commission to provide relief because of alleged lack of uniformity in the assessments for 2011.
Farmers and homeowners alike were shocked by the increase in their tax bill for 2011. Many documented inequity in assessments from one parcel to another. That led the commission to vote for a roll back of assessments to 2010 levels because of the strong reaction in the county by taxpayers.
There were so many complaints the commission rolled back values rather than try to hold hearings for the ... Online subscribers click here for the rest of the story.