People Protest Rapidly Rising Property Taxes

MOUNTAIN BROOK, Ala.—Homeowners in Jefferson County gathered to grill county and state tax officials over rapidly rising property tax bills.

More than 100 people attended the meeting at Mountain Brook City Hall.

Some people in Jefferson County have seen property tax bills double since the state mandated homes values be appraised every year, instead of every four years.

Tax officials explained the largest part of a home’s appraisal comes from recent home sales in the neighborhood and that this year’s tax bills are based on last September’s home value.

The mayor of Mountain Brook says people need relief from the escalating bills.

“Most people are getting a $150 or $200 thousand increase every year, and if you’re on a fixed income you can’t sustain that,”  Mayor Terry Oden said.

Tax officials said they are going to take another look at home values in some neighborhoods to make sure appraisals are accurate.