Residents tell Douglas County board appeals process is difficult and some assessments feel inaccurate

During the public hearing Aug. 10 the board heard residents describe cumbersome appeal procedures and steep assessment increases.

A resident who provided an address at 475 Creek Canyon Trail recounted repeated appeals over 28 years and said an appeal visit felt rushed by staff; the resident asked the county to publish the specific state and county rules that limit assessments and govern appeals so taxpayers can better prepare. "It's a lot of hoops...they don't care," the resident said, describing the effort required to prepare comparables and attend an in-person appeal. Miranda Sharpton of Lithia Springs told commissioners the homestead exemption had saved her household roughly $18 a month and questioned whether that relief is meaningful as home values rise.