Athens Reporter

The Grand Jury for the October 2024 Term of the Superior Court of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, is tasked with appointing or reappointing five members to the Board of Tax Equalization. The appointments include one alternate member to fill an unexpired term ending on December 31, 2025, and one regular member along with three alternate members for terms running from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027.

The Board of Tax Equalization plays a crucial role in hearing appeals related to property values and exemptions. This independent board schedules hearings, listens to evidence from both taxpayers and the Tax Assessors Office, and makes decisions based on presented facts similarly to a courtroom jury. After evaluating evidence from both parties involved, the board determines the value of properties or exemptions.

Newly appointed members are required to complete at least 40 hours of training in appraisal and equalization processes within their first year. Additionally, each member must undergo a minimum of eight hours of continuing education annually after completing their term. Non-compliance with these educational requirements results in disqualification from serving on the board.

Eligibility for appointment is open to any Athens-Clarke County citizen who owns real property and holds a high school diploma. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply using printable or online applications available at www.accgov.com/clerkofcourt or www.athensclarkeclerkofcourt.com/legalforms.asp.

Applications should be submitted by December 1, 2024, either online or directly to Elisa Zarate, Clerk of Superior Court and Appeal Administrator at Athens-Clarke County's address or via email at elisa.zarate@accgov.com. This process adheres to state code sections OCGA 15-12-81(b) and OCGA 48-5-311.