DOUGHERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — Property assessments in Dougherty County have increased for many homeowners this year, prompting questions from residents about how the values were calculated.

Hazel Neal said her home’s assessed value went from $78,400 last year to $146,900 this year.

“There’s not even a fireplace or a garage here. And we’ve only got one bathroom. Why is this house worth more now than it was last year? And is it really worth $146,000? Would somebody actually buy this house for $146,000? And I think the answer is no,” Neal said.

Neal is not the only homeowner reporting a change. WALB posed the question on Facebook, and many responses were similar to hers.

Why the county revalued properties

County Commissioner Russell Gray said a 2022 sales ratio study found that Dougherty County was out of compliance with the state of Georgia and needed a full official revaluation.

“That’s a state threshold for all communities, and if you get out of compliance, then that triggers an action which requires a full revaluation. And of course, it would be nice to have known our property values were increasing incrementally every year over the past 10 to 20 years versus getting a 20-year jump,” Gray said.

The Dougherty County Board of Assessors determines a property’s fair market value. The board hired an outside company, GMASS, after the 2022 study because the tax office did not have the resources to complete the required work.

According to Chief Appraiser Adam Bridges, this is the first property reassessment in Dougherty County since 2007. Gray said it is not unusual for a county to fall out of compliance, but the process to reevaluate homes in Dougherty County took a long time.

“The county as a government is relying on the Assessors Department and Board of Assessors to keep these records updated, keep these valuations accurate,” Gray said.

Board member facing felony charges

The Dougherty County Board of Assessors is appointed by the county commission. Five members are currently active, including Je’Nita Lane, an attorney who was arrested in July and charged with felonies including deception, forgery, identity theft and computer theft.

The county sent the following statement to WALB:

“Dougherty County officials are aware of the arrest and criminal charges involving Je’Nita Lane, who currently serves as a member of the Dougherty County Board of Assessors.

At this time, Ms. Lane remains a member of the Board of Assessors. The County recognizes that criminal charges are allegations and do not constitute a finding of guilt. Like any individual accused of a crime, Ms. Lane is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Dougherty County Board of Assessors currently consists of Wayne Shaw, Larry Thomas, William Ashberry, Je’Nita Lane and George Anderson. Adam Bridges serves separately as Dougherty County’s chief appraiser.

Members of the Board of Assessors are appointed by the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners. The Board of Assessors is a created body, and Georgia law establishes requirements governing the qualifications, training and certification of its members, as well as the circumstances and procedures under which a member may be suspended or removed.

County officials will continue to follow the legal proceedings involving Ms. Lane and evaluate any developments in accordance with applicable Georgia law and County procedures. At this time, no change has been made to her status as a member of the Board of Assessors.

Because this is an active criminal matter being handled by the appropriate law enforcement and judicial authorities, Dougherty County will not comment on the specific allegations, evidence or underlying investigation. The County also will not speculate regarding potential future action while the matter remains pending.

Dougherty County understands the public’s interest in this matter and remains committed to providing accurate and verified information while respecting the legal process and the presumption of innocence. Should Ms. Lane’s official status with the Board of Assessors change, the County will provide appropriate information at that time."

Appeal process available

An increase in a home’s assessed value does not necessarily mean a property tax bill will increase by the same percentage. The final tax bill also depends on the county’s millage rate.

Dougherty County Chairman Lorenzo Heard said he and other leaders hope to roll back the millage rate, but he encourages everyone to file an appeal.

To file an appeal or get more information, Dougherty County officials said homeowners can contact appeal administrators at 229-431-2130.

WALB is still working to learn more information about this. Stick with us for more as we hear from other community and tax officials.

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