Why The Tax Freeze Must End
Posted on October 26, 2015 24 Comments
I’ve been a property tax payer in Muscogee County since 2004. This is also the year I began my career as a REALTOR. It doesn’t matter how I explain the tax freeze to new clients when they are debating over which county to reside in. They always ask me the same question, “How is this fair?”
IT’S NOT. Here are some facts you might find interesting:
- 65,000 Homestead Properties in Muscogee County are currently Frozen
- 29,000 pay less than $100 per year (15,000 of them pay less than $50)
- 60% of your tax bill goes to the Muscogee County School Board
- Our School Millage Rate 23.37 is the 3rd Highest in the State
- GA’s average Millage Rate is 30 mills (school + county)
- Muscogee County Millage Rate is above 40 mills in some areas
- Commercial Property Owners tax bill is equivalent to 3 months rent
If property values remain frozen, then our Millage Rate (property tax rate) can never be reduced. This is an unfair burden to Commercial Property Owners and New Residents. We are sending residents to our surrounding counties. They all may work in Muscogee County, but they don’t live in Muscogee County.
I used this analogy with a group a few weeks ago:
I own a bar. I’ve been giving you and many other locals FREE Drinks for 20+ years. All my new customers pay full price for their drinks. I’m scared to raise prices on new customers because I don’t want to run them off, but it’s difficult to cover my operating expenses and provide quality service with so many FREE Drinkers. I’m close to going out of business.
If you have been drinking for FREE for 20 years, I suggest that is long enough. If you don’t want to pay, then you don’t have to stay.
We need to support Mayor Tomlinson’s plan.
Can I start a Bee Hive in Columbus, GA?
Posted on July 28, 2015 Leave a Comment
I love local Honey in my green tea, on my toast, and on my Saturday morning pancakes. None of my neighbors are beekeepers or apiarist, so I purchase my honey from different vendors at Market Days in Downtown Columbus, GA.
As backyard farms and urban gardens have taken root in neighborhoods, so have bee hives. I just read a great article from Urban Farm Online.
Step 1: research local beekeeping regulations and ordinances
Clients ask us about “current & future” property use every month and often times our zoning ordinance requires a variance request. As long as the request is reasonable and adjacent property owners agree to the proposed or existing use, then a variance will be accepted by the county.
The following zoning in Muscogee County, GA currently permits apiculture:
- RE10 rural property with 1 house per 10 acres
- RE5 1 house per 5 acres
- RE1 1 house per 1 acre
What is my property currently zoned? Click here to view Muscogee County, GA tax parcel map.
Remember, ordinances are expected to be amended from time to time as residential and commercial growth patterns fluctuate. Remember, “Fences make good neighbors.” But beekeepers give their neighbors free honey.
Join the Chattahoocheebeekeepers Club.
Which Real Estate Network Closed $321 Billion in Sales in 2014?
Posted on May 15, 2015 Leave a Comment
Coldwell Banker finished 3rd, RE/MAX finished 2nd, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World finished 1st!! Not familiar with this network? Waddell Realty is a proud member, as are the other #1 independent firms around the globe.
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (Leading RE) believes in the power of independence. As the world’s largest network of market-leading real estate brands, we require standards of excellence that extend beyond sales marks. Our member companies span 50 countries and are vetted for performance, and a continued commitment to quality customer experience. Our firms are recognized for their expertise, and superior knowledge of both local and global markets.
Why have agents with Independent/Boutique Firms out sold agents with franchise brands? Their Broker/Owners are committed to excellence and can quickly adapt to changing markets. Since the Housing Crash, we’ve focused on helping our agents build businesses that is controlled by them, not current economic conditions. Waddell Realty is a Local and Global Real Estate Firm.