Big Bills Bring In Augusta Taxpayers

Augusta, GA—Wanda Schulken knew it was coming but it didn’t make it any easier to pay her 2009 tax bill. “No I don’t like paying it but what are you going to do about it you have to pay them,” she said.

She was one of the many taxpayers pouring into the Tax Commissioners Office in Augusta, after tax bills were mailed out Friday.

Taxpayers are forking over $250 to $300 more to the city, this year; the Tax Commissioner has a quick answer to their concerns.

“Everyone in the office is very well versed in actually what happened, and we explain the best we can how the state removed the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant,” says Tax Commissioner Steven Kendrick.

Georgia’s financial problems have caused the state to end the grants.

The loss of the grants means Charlie Collins has to pay more than $300 in taxes. Last year, he paid less than $100. In these tough times, he could only afford to pay half the bill right now.

“It was expensive and I wasn’t looking for it to be this expensive and I said they have to be paid,” said Collins.

And, paying higher tax bills is rough on those on fixed incomes.

“Senior citizen you know you look for all the help you can get you know you’re income is not going up,” said Louis Benson.

On top of the loss of grants, taxpayers are also paying more for streetlights, and an extra $9.50 for garbage, it makes a trip to the tax office no fun at all.

“No but that’s what happens people can’t afford their stuff so they send it on down to the little people,” said Schulken.