Public Hearing Not Required For 22-Cent Tax Proposal

There will be no public hearing taking place before Putnam County Commissioners consider a 22-cent property tax increase next week.

Commission Chairman Ben Rodgers said state law doesn’t require a public hearing unless the county increases the certified tax rate.

“In fiscal year 2016-2017, Putnam County went through reappraisal and the certified tax rate from the state came back at $2.63. That same year, the county commission set the tax rate at $2.73,” Rodgers said. “The certified tax rate is still $2.63, but the commission already increased it above that and they had a public hearing at that time. Any increase going forward would not require a public hearing until the next reappraisal.”

Rodgers said the county commission still has the ability to implement a public hearing, but it has not been requested at this time.

“We’ve encouraged people to come to the committee and commission meetings all year,” Rodgers said, “We can have a public hearing. We had like five or six people show up when we did the one in 2016 and 2017. I don’t know if that’s something the public would want, but it can be done.”

In the meantime, Rodgers encourages residents reach out to commissioners with any concerns about the proposed budget.

The full Putnam County Commission will vote on the tax levy and budget proposal during the July 29 meeting.