Glynn County assessors approve 2026 state template for assessment notices; staff plans vendor testing and printing

The Glynn County Board of Assessors on a voice vote approved sending the Department of Revenue2026 assessment-notice template required by Senate Bill 566, after Chief Appraiser Ryan Lunsford said the new form removes tax estimations and itemizes exemptions to reduce taxpayer confusion.

Lunsford told the board the template is "a little bit better this year" because it separates value information from tax estimates and lists exemptions such as homestead and state/local credits. He warned, however, that a new "estimated tax savings" column could confuse some taxpayers and said staff will be prepared to answer calls when notices arrive.

The board heard that Glynn County's shared vendor had not yet loaded the final notice file into its system; Lunsford said the county expects a flash drive to the printer by May 20 and a full printing run shortly after samples are approved, with an assessment-notice mailing target of about May 27. The board approved a motion to send the template and directed staff to complete vendor testing and printing preparations.

Why it matters: the template change stems from state law and alters how recipients will see their assessed value, exemptions and a new column showing estimated tax savings. Lunsford said the office will take calls and guide taxpayers through appeals options listed on the notice, including Board of Equalization appeals, non-binding arbitration and hearing officer paths.

The board had previously approved the April 16 minutes at the start of the meeting before taking up the notice template. With the vote, staff will complete testing with the vendor and move the final files to the printer, then respond to taxpayer inquiries after mailings begin.