After this

year's property reassessments, many Coweta County property owners got

a shock when they opened their tax bills and saw how much their bills

had increased.

But the residents'

shock probably pales in comparison to what many business owners are experiencing

this year.

Late last year,

the Coweta County Commission removed the cap for business occupation tax

rates. Previously, businesses would pay a maximum $3,000 bill.

But when the

commission decided to figure the bill based on gross receipts this year,

the complaints have started.

During Tuesday's

County Commission meeting, Richard Westerfield of Yokogawa Corporation

of America asked the board to consider raising the tax rate in increments.

Last year,

the large manufacturer paid its $3,000 and budgeted for the same bill

this year.

But when officials

opened their bill in January, they discovered the amount owed was $104,000.

"We support

a reasonable increase, but it should have been incremental," he said.

The commission

reiterated the county's business tax rates were still the lowest in the

region. Commissioner Vernon "Mutt" Hunter said the company has

actually received a tax break over the last few years.

"I don't

think we've represented our people well. It should have been incremental,

but it should have started five or six years ago. You've had a pretty

good ride at the expense of the taxpayer," he said.

Commissioner

Lawrence Nelms agreed with Hunter.

"You've

probably saved a million dollars over the last decade because we didn't

adjust our rates. I would expect businesses to pay their fair share,"

he said.

The commission

held off on any decision about making the increase incremental until Commissioner

Robert Wood had a chance to address the issue.

Wood missed

Tuesday's meeting because of the death of his mother.