According to the local newspapers, metro Atlanta foreclosures are ‘surging’…up 45% from the same period last year. What’s going on?
Our guest speaker this morning was none other than our own Club member, Mr. Burt Manning, Chief Appraiser for the Fulton county Board of Appraisers.
What’s happening with metropolitan Atlanta? Are real estate tax appraisals and values changing! What’s happening to real estate values in Atlanta, Fulton County, and the general metro Atlanta area?
Mr. Manning provided us with some insight into these questions. He gave us a ‘statistical view’ of the overall economic equation developing here in the Atlanta metropolitan area regarding its economic health.
Above all, Mr. Manning said consistency and fairness in evaluating commercial and private property for the digest is his priority. Currently a revaluation of commercial property in downtown Atlanta is taking place. Commercial property taxes will probably increase, for certain parcels of land.
The Atlanta housing market is not growing as fast as in the past, but houses are selling at generally fair market values. Houses for sale north of the city are selling better than the south. More foreclosures are occurring in the southern part of the metro area. Atlanta has land for sale, but the market is slow. Building has slowed.
Generally speaking, Atlanta is ‘relatively stable’ compared to the rest of the southeast. That’s the good news.
Mr. Manning directs a staff of 150 trained personnel who appraise all residential and commercial property in Fulton County and sets the tax digest. In 2006, 303,000 pieces of property were assessed. In 2007, 328,261 parcels were assessed. These properties were appraised at 1.36 billion dollars.
One of his department’s newest tools is a ‘new aero photo technique’. The front and back views of properties are now available to his staff instead of ‘top down roof top photos’ that yielded limited information about a property. Now his staff can be much more objective in assessing the value of property for tax purposes.
Unhappy with your appraised property value? Have you appealed? Mr. Manning’s office and staff are the county personnel who respond to your first written appeal. If your appeal is denied, you can request a formal hearing before the Board of Equalization.
Mr. Manning graduated from the University of Tennessee, University of South Florida and was in the United States Air Force for four years.
His slide presentation was informative, interesting, and educational.
After George Scherer’s ‘satirical introduction’ of Bert and his staff, I think he should expect his neighborhood will be ‘rezoned’ and‘re-evaluated’ for future ‘astrological tax increases.’
THE FEBRUARY 15TH ANNUAL GALA is fast approaching. Ronni French said we desperately need silent auction items. The committee is looking for sports tickets, symphony tickets, restaurant passes, I.O.U. home cooked meals, weekend getaways at the beach, limo service for a night, or arts and crafts.
Next Division Council Meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 15th, 5 pm, at the Ansley Golf Club prior to the Gala.
The mid winter conference and trainings will take place February 23rd, at Wesleyan College in Macon.
Saturday, January 26th from 11:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Macon. The District 1 leadership is sponsoring this summit to provide the tools needed to build new clubs, strengthen existing clubs, and recruit new members. Registration has to be completed by January 18th. E-mail Sherry for details.
Club President Sherry Neal has received information from a Ukrainian Kiwanis Club concerning how they conduct their activities and how they celebrate the holidays.
Ronni French said that Rising Leaders will meet today at the Atlanta Apparel Mart at 2 p.m. Free parking is available at the Capitol City Club. Today’s featured speaker is Mr. Robert McMichael III, Music Director of the Central United Methodist Church.
Jim Pilcher has been out ill for quite some time. He had a stroke and wanted to come back the first of the year, but hasn’t been able to do so yet. Please send your cards and e-mails to: pilchers@comcast.net.
He would appreciate hearing from everyone.
Club member ANGIE LEVIN’S husband JAY is in the hospital and very ill. Please keep them in your prayers and drop Angie a note. Her e-mail is: angela.Levin@inta.gatech.edu
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