State law

mandates that all counties conduct property reappraisals every three

years. Fulton County's last major reappraisal occurred in 1998.

Since that

time, most real estate sectors and the general economy have been strong,

and interest rates and inflation have remained low. These factors, combined

with financial markets at record levels and very high occupancy rates,

have created rising property values, according to a news release from

the assessor's office.

Board of Assessors must appraise real property at fair market value.

Most of the value change notices the Board of Assessors expects to issue

will represent value increases.

This does

not mean there will be a tax increase, the assessors point out. The

millage rates set by various taxing authorities, i.e., school boards,

municipalities and Fulton County, determine whether taxes rise or fall.

"It

is the not the purpose of the reappraisal to raise taxes," said

a spokesman for the assessors.

Homeowner

association representatives may call 404-730-6430 to arrange for assessors

to address their groups.