HBNPA Minutes, June 20, 2024 The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. Thursday June 20, at the Golden Isles Development Authority Offices, 209 Gloucester St. by Steering Committee member Travis Stegal. Police/Crime – CPL Terrance Tanner and Chief Kevin Jones:

• Crime statistics updated
• If you want to assist police with possible future incidents in your neighborhood, <ahref=”https://www.brunswickga.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/police/page/8611/camera_registration_form.pdf”>register your security camera with the police here.
• Help yourself: lock your car doors. Report suspicious activity.
• Homicide suspect in murder of teenager last year was apprehended in Jacksonville and will be extradited to Brunswick.
• City Commission approved budget items include four new drug squads and two bike patrols.

Mayor Cosby Johnson and City Commissioner Lance Sabbe:

• The County has homestead exemptions which help reduce property taxes. The City does not. The Mayor and some Commissioners are working on multi-tiered exemptions at the City level, which must then be brought to the state legislatures next January for them to vote.
• If you are in favor of City homestead exemptions, show up at the City Commission meetings and make your voice heard. Also contact Rep. Rick Townsend (404) 656-0178 and Senator Mike Hodges (912) 464-1989.

Jeff Bennett, Chair County Tax Assessors Board and Ron Glisson, Chief County Appraiser The County appraises real property and tax (millage) rates are set by the County, City and Board of Education. The City has higher millage rates than the County due to a lower taxable base based on a lower overall population (15,000 vs 85,000) and the number of tax exempt city, county, religious and educational properties in the city. Mass appraisals of real property are based on two  years’ previous sales in a neighborhood. In general real properties are not appraised individually unless or until the property owner files an appeal.

• The appeal must be made in writing (or file on line) within 45 days of your ANA notice date. That’s JULY 8 for SoGlo folks.
• According to Mr. Glisson, the appraisal increase from 2023 to 2024 “across the board” was 12%. Audience members noted that property appraisals went up as much as 50% over last year’s appraisals in the Historic Brunswick NPA district. If you feel your property appraisal is too high, it probably is and you have the opportunity to appeal in writing by July 8.
• Ron Glisson recommended that you schedule a meeting with him or one the county appraisers if you need assistance in filling out the appraisal form (see below). His number is 912-554-7096. The office number is 912-554-7093 from 8:30 am to 5 pm. The office will be closed on July 4.

Note: the following details [in brackets] were ascertained by speaking with Ron Glisson several days after the meeting, and are not part of the official meeting minutes. They are included for informational purposes.

• Enter your property ID, found in Part B of your Annual Notice of Assessment.
• Check “Value” and “Uniformity” for Grounds for Appeal
• Select BOE under “only one of the following options.”
• In Comments, say something like “Current appraisal is too high for recent sales.”
• Give a reasonable value Owner’s Value Assertion. It is just a default and not necessarily the end result.]

Ashby Worley – Coastal Climate Adaptation Director, Nature Conservancy:

• Ashby spoke about Coastal Resiliency and the importance of protecting Georgia marshes and wetlands which in turn protect us from hurricane and storm surge damage. For more information, contact Ashby at Ashby.Worley@tnc.org or 912-399-2996

Meeting adjourned 7:15 pm Next Meeting – September 17th at First Presbyterian Church at corner of George and Union Streets.