Alabama stands out as having one of the lowest property tax rates in the nation, with some states imposing rates as high as 2.47% in New Jersey and as low as 0.41% in Alabama.
Last night, just over the state line in Tennessee, the Lincoln County Commission passed a 37% property tax increase that will go into effect immediately.
This comes after multiple attempts to raise the tax on homeowners earlier this year.
Residents currently pay $2.10 per $100 of assessed value – with the assessed value being 25% of the appraised value. Now, that figure is $2.88.
This year, voters in Tuscaloosa and Vestavia Hills each rejected proposals to increase their own property taxes.
RELATED: Largest tax cut in Alabama history is passed
In Vestavia Hills, the proposed property tax increase would’ve cost homeowners an additional $294 each year in property taxes on a $300,000 home.
More than 80% of Tuscaloosa voters said “no” to a total 8 mill property tax increase.
Aggressive, grassroots efforts have been waged in communities across Alabama both for and against property tax increase proposals as they arise. In Tuscaloosa, a high-visibility “VOTE NO!” advertising campaign was syndicated as residents made emotional pleas in favor of a tax increase online.
Between all three of these local instances, the new revenue generated by an increase are directed toward school systems and renovation projects.
In Lincoln County, half of the tax increase passed by the commission goes to the county and the other half to the education fund.
Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.