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Recently featured in The Hartwell Sun, our article discussed the January HCPOA meeting where the Hartwell Association (LHA) was present. HCPOA president Bill Fogerty presented recommended officers for 2024, addressing concerns about the growing population around the lake and the understaffing of Corps officers. The article covers lake cleanup efforts, dock management, and the need for volunteers. LHA Vice President Terry Jackson emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing issues like low lake levels and encouraged participation in the association. The next HCPOA meeting is scheduled for February 19 at 7 p.m. Social hour starts at 6:30 p.m. We hope to see you there!

24,000 property tax bills were dispatched in November. Among these, 2,450 lacked the approved senior homestead increase by the Board of Education (BOE). All tax bills have since been reviewed and reissued. The revised bills lack a "revised or corrected" statement and should reflect lower amounts. Discrepancies in the "net tax" column should be disregarded. Seniors who paid before receiving the revision will receive a refund from the Tax Commissioner. However, these refunds will not be processed until the end of February 2024.

A recent development regarding your property tax bills demands your attention. It seems that a crucial $5,000 increase in the homestead exemption on the education side has gone missing, despite the Governor's promised $18,000. The oversight led to the omission of this exemption from approximately 2500 bills. The homestead exemption is for those 65 and older. Delaying payment till January would be recommended. Here are the key takeaways: 1) Missing Exemption: The anticipated $5,000 increase in the homestead exemption on the education side is absent from the current bills, impacting 2500 property owners. The Tax Commissioner is actively addressing this issue, and corrected bills are slated to be dispatched within 7-10 days. 2) Delay Tax Payments: To ensure accuracy and address potential related issues, it's advisable to hold off on tax payments until January. Inform friends and neighbors about this update to ensure everyone is informed. 3) Community Oversight: As an organization dedicated to safeguarding property owners' interests, we acknowledge the disappointment in not immediately identifying this discrepancy. Rest assured, steps are being taken to rectify the situation promptly. 4) Election Update: WLHR reported the apparent victory of candidates Sheller and Adams, presumed to align with our community's preferences. However, official confirmation from the election board is pending. We understand the concern and inconvenience this situation may cause. Your patience and understanding during this process are greatly appreciated. Please anticipate further updates and guidance from Lowell regarding the exemption and tax payment recommendations.

Are you considering buying a home in the charming lake town of Hartwell, GA? Nestled within serene landscapes and offering a tight-knit community, Hartwell has much to offer for prospective homebuyers. As you embark on this exciting journey, here are ten essential factors to consider before sealing the deal on your new home in Hartwell: 10 Things to Consider When Buying a House in Hartwell, GA 1. Explore Lake Hartwell Proximity Hartwell boasts proximity to the beautiful Lake Hartwell, a significant attraction in the region. Determine if your dream home is close to the lake, providing you with easy access to recreational activities and stunning waterfront views. 2. Local School District Quality For families, evaluating the quality of the local school district is crucial. Research the schools in Hartwell to ensure they align with your expectations and offer the education your children deserve. 3. Commute and Accessibility Consider your daily commute and accessibility to major roads or highways. Evaluate how easily you can access essential amenities, workplaces, and nearby cities from your prospective home in Hartwell. 4. Neighborhood Vibe and Community Hartwell exudes a warm community vibe. Take time to explore different neighborhoods to find one that resonates with your lifestyle preferences and offers the community atmosphere you seek. 5. Property Taxes and Housing Costs Understand the property taxes and overall housing costs in Hartwell. Compare these expenses to your budget to ensure financial feasibility and plan for any potential expenses accurately. 6. Local Amenities and Services Assess the availability of essential amenities like supermarkets, healthcare facilities, recreational centers, and dining options. Having these amenities nearby can significantly enhance your quality of life. 7. Historical and Cultural Attractions Hartwell boasts historical and cultural attractions. Explore the town's heritage, museums, and local events to immerse yourself in the rich cultural experiences Hartwell offers. 8. Weather and Climate Considerations Familiarize yourself with the local weather patterns in Hartwell. Understanding the climate can help you prepare for seasonal changes and determine if it aligns with your preferences. 9. Future Development Plans Research any planned developments or growth initiatives in Hartwell. Understanding future developments can provide insight into the town's expansion and potential impact on your chosen neighborhood. 10. Local Real Estate Market Trends Stay informed about the current real estate market trends in Hartwell. Analyze property values, market demand, and housing trends to make a well-informed decision about your home purchase. Final Thoughts Purchasing a house in Hartwell, GA, can be an exciting and rewarding experience. By considering these ten essential factors, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect home that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences in this beautiful lake town. Happy house hunting in Hartwell!

At Hart County Property Owners Association (HCPOA), we understand the importance of accurate property valuation. To ensure that your house value is evaluated with precision, we're excited to inform you about a new initiative. 1. House Grade Project HCPOA is currently working on a house-grade project that will simplify the process of evaluating your property's value. This initiative is designed to benefit all property owners in Hart County, and we're committed to making sure your property is accurately assessed. 2. Check Your Property Record Card Your property record card holds essential information about your property's grade and the effective year it was built. You can find this information on page 2 of your property record card. 3. The Significance of Grade It's important to understand that your property's grade plays a significant role in determining its value. It acts as a multiplier that can have a substantial impact on your property's assessed worth. 4. Your Action Required In order to facilitate this process, we kindly request that you e-mail us the two crucial figures from your property record card: The current grade of your house The effective year it was built Please send this information to us at bfogerty2020@hartcom.net. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated and will contribute to a more accurate valuation of your property. At HCPOA, we are dedicated to enhancing the property ownership experience for everyone in Hart County. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to working together to improve our property assessment process.

The October meeting of the Hart County Property Owners Association brought together an engaged audience to hear from two distinguished speakers, District Attorney Parks White, and County Administrator Terrell Partain. Key Points: County Administrator Terrell Partain discussed the upcoming SPLOST 5, mentioning that early voting had begun. The total tax is estimated to be around $30,000,000, with allocation to the county and four municipalities. The county's share is $23,600,000, with projects spanning water, economic development, fire equipment, public safety, and recreation. District Attorney Parks White provided insights into the types of crimes he encounters daily, highlighting issues like murder and the prevalence of fentanyl. He emphasized his high conviction rate but expressed the need for stronger support from the bench. Parks White also introduced a new firearm by Biofire, a 9mm with fingerprint and facial recognition technology for unlocking before firing. This feature ensures that the weapon can only be operated by its owner, preventing unauthorized use. Congressman Andrew Clyde's field director, Connor Land, made a surprise visit to the HCPOA meeting. He engaged with attendees and even assisted with some tasks, including taking out the trash. Special thanks were extended to the staff of Pinnacle Bank for providing refreshments during the social hour. Announcements: No meetings will be held in November or December. The next meeting is scheduled for January 15, 2024. Stay tuned for further updates.

1. Addressing Property Value Concerns Last year, many of you filed appeals against your property assessments, hoping to freeze your property values for the next two years. However, contrary to Georgia law, this didn't always happen as expected. Our chief appraiser introduced a new condition – each element of the property had to be detailed in the decision for a value freeze to occur. Consequently, some property values increased instead of staying the same. To ensure your assessment notice and property record align with your expectations, it's essential to double-check. If you encounter any discrepancies or issues, don't hesitate to contact our office at 706-376-3997 or reach out to me at 706-371-0911. This discrepancy in property values came to my attention when Tony Haynie from the City Council sought clarification. I explained the legal requirement for a freeze, but he received three different responses when he inquired with the office: yes, no, and maybe. I raised this issue with the Board of Assessors during a recent meeting, and although there was no immediate resolution, we're working to address these concerns. 2. Establishing Clear Grading Standards for Your Property In the long term, it would be immensely helpful to establish a guide or standard that explains what your property grade truly signifies. Property grading is a crucial factor in determining the replacement cost of your property. To this end, HCPOA is committed to creating a pamphlet that includes examples of various property grades. While the office had a similar resource in the past, it seems to have been misplaced during recent transitions. One starting point for understanding your property grade is your map/parcel information, which includes the property grade on the second page of your property record card. You can easily retrieve this information from Q Public. We welcome any suggestions or input from the community as we work to develop this resource. Feel free to contact me at bfogerty2020@hartcom.net with your thoughts and ideas. Let's work together to address these property assessment concerns and provide clarity on property grading standards.

Lake Hartwell Association Meeting Invitation Date: Thursday, September 28, 2023 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Civic Center of Anderson 3027 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Anderson, SC Doors Open for Registration: 6:30 PM Join us for the 2023 Lake Hartwell Association Annual Member Meeting. This event promises to be both informative and engaging as we discuss matters related to Lake Hartwell. Meeting Agenda: Welcome and Registration Guest Speakers and Forum Discussion Q&A Session RSVP: To confirm your attendance, kindly email us at mail@lakehartwellassociation.org by Monday, September 25, 2023. Please include the following information: Names of LHA Members and their guest names. Contact phone number. Members and prospective members are warmly welcomed to join us for the sake of our beloved Lake Hartwell. For more information, please visit our website at www.lakehartwellassociation.org.

The primary highlight of the evening was Mayor Brandon Johnson's address, during which he discussed several critical issues facing both the city and county, including annexation, traffic concerns, crime, and drug-related issues. Special Guests: Three candidates for the city council, namely Toy Cynthia Wilkins, Richard Sheller, and Debbie Henry, were present at the meeting, demonstrating their commitment to the community. The social hour was sponsored by the Dock Depot, and Mark and Tiffany Haltom offered valuable insights into winterization and caring for docks and boats in preparation for the upcoming winter season. Annexation and City Growth: Mayor Johnson addressed the issue of annexation and emphasized its role in facilitating further development, particularly in areas where sewer availability makes development more appealing. He highlighted that city growth and annexation are natural occurrences driven by economic considerations. However, he stressed the importance of finding a balance between annexing areas that make sense and preserving the sense of community. Traffic Concerns: The Mayor discussed traffic concerns, particularly at major intersections like Ridge Road and Route 29, indicating that these issues often involve state agencies. Consequently, it is the responsibility of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to take necessary actions. One resident inquired about the possibility of improving Savannah Street from Ridge Road to alleviate traffic heading to the main intersection, with the Mayor acknowledging that this remains a potential option. Homelessness in Hartwell: The issue of homelessness in Hartwell was raised during the meeting. Mayor Johnson clarified that while there are some homeless individuals in the area, many are transient or temporarily stranded. He emphatically stated that there would not be a homeless shelter in Hartwell, as the city is concerned that creating such a facility might attract more homeless individuals. Conclusion: The September meeting provided an excellent opportunity for Hart County residents to gain insights into the Mayor's perspective on current city issues. With an impressive turnout and informative discussions, the meeting was considered a success. Upcoming Meeting: The next HCPOA meeting is scheduled for October 16th. Terrill Partain will provide a brief presentation on the upcoming sales tax renewal, and District Attorney Parks White will discuss relevant legal and criminal issues. All members are encouraged to attend and participate in these important discussions that impact our community.

Mark Your Calendars: The first appeals are scheduled for October 2nd. It's time to get prepared, and here's a friendly reminder: evidence wins. When preparing for your appeal, especially for boat assessments, remember to do your homework. One crucial aspect is using depreciation figures from past years. By doing so, you can demonstrate that your boat's value couldn't have significantly appreciated based on just one year of estimation. Don't leave anything to chance! Make sure your evidence is strong, and be well-prepared for your appeal appointment.

The August meeting focused on the strategy and preparation for an appeal, emphasizing that it's never too late to consult with an appraiser to understand how they arrived at their valuation or rating. Here are some key tips to consider: 1. Be Prepared: Determine the desired value or condition and thoroughly review your property record card to identify any problem areas. 2. Land, Improvement, Accessory: For land, consider documenting physical issues using visuals like PowerPoint or posters. Look for properties with better land but lower values as potential comparables, even if they're not in your immediate neighborhood. Note that class A neighborhoods should share similar characteristics, but challenging sales figures can be challenging. 3. Improvements: The grade is a significant multiplier, and information may not always be available on public records. Check other property record cards if your house's grade is high (2.0 or more). Also, consider factors like year built, which affects depreciation. 4. Accessories like Docks: Document any problems or repair costs associated with accessories like docks. 5. Boats: This year, boat values have generally increased. Research various websites to understand the range of values and document depreciation trends created by appraisers in the past. Calculate the cost to replace broken or damaged parts, including labor costs. Be ready to challenge appraiser evidence and be creative in presenting your case. 6. Sit in on an Appeal: Attending an appeal can provide valuable insights into the process. Our next meeting is on September 18th, with Mayor Brandon Johnson as our guest speaker. Join us at the Hart County Property Owners’ Association meeting on Monday, September 18th, at 7 pm. Mayor Brandon Johnson will be our guest speaker, addressing a range of topics including annexations, growth, traffic, crime/drugs, and the upcoming election. Before the meeting, from 6:30 to 7:00, enjoy a social hour generously sponsored by Dock Depot. The event will be held at the Adult Learning Center, located on the lower level at the back of the Hart County Library. For more information, please visit us at hcpoa.info. We look forward to seeing you there. September's Sponsor: Dock Depot

Attention Hart County Property Owners (including boat owners). The last day to file an appeal for property taxes is Monday, August 7, 2023. Visit the Tax Assessor's Office at 194 Cade St, Hartwell, GA 30643, or call them at (706) 376-3997 for questions about filing.