Job opportunity open in Revenue Division

The City of Decatur is now considering applicants for our vacant Revenue Officer position.

Until now, there have been no vacancies in this position for the last 12 years, so this is a rare opportunity.

If you know a qualified person who would be interested in applying to join our team, please encourage them to read the job announcement and apply for the position.

Customer service skills are a must, and a property tax background is preferred.  Decatur often receives national recognition for local government excellence, so many applicants have already expressed their interest in this position, and we expect many more up through the May 9 deadline.

Revenue Officer leaves City Hall

One of our Revenue Officers, Kate Hall, has resigned to pursue other opportunities.

Kate began working for the City in 1999. She was an occupation tax specialist, and held certifications from state and national business license associations in addition to her accounting degree.

Kate told her colleagues, “It has been a pleasure working here at the City. Words cannot express my regret to say goodbye. But it is time for me to spread my wings and fly.”

About 20 city employees and friends including Mayor Bill Floyd and City Manager Peggy Merriss attended a recent farewell luncheon for Kate to wish her well.

Thank you for your service, Kate, and good luck with your next endeavor!

Kate Hall and Mayor Bill Floyd

Only 10 days left for business license payments

The deadline for local businesses to pay for their 2012 business license was Jan. 31. By law, businesses could still pay during a 90 day grace period following that deadline before penalties and interest are added.

Only 10 days of that grace period remain. Unpaid balances after Apr. 30 will be subject to a 10 percent penalty and 1 percent monthly interest.

Payments for occupational tax certificates may be made at City Hall or mailed to our office along with your invoice and notarized SAVE affidavit to:

City of Decatur
P.O. Box 220
Decatur, GA 30031

Failure to register for a renewal certificate will result in an automatic suspension of the business license.

Businesses no longer operating in the City of Decatur should notify us in writing so we can update our records.

City bills 7,500 properties

The City of Decatur Revenue Division mailed approximately 7,500 bills on Mar. 26 for property owners’ first installment tax bills for 2012.

Bills citywide totaled $17.9 million in taxes (which includes approximately $11.2 million for the school system) and $2.2 million for residential sanitation and stormwater fees.

Payments are due by June 1 and can be made by mail, in person, or online. First installment tax bills are always based of the prior year’s property value, and are calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the total millage rate of 33.9 and dividing the total in half.

Although the Revenue Division provides tax data to several major lenders upon their request, we always mail the tax bills directly to property owners. We do not mail bills to banks. If your mortgage company is responsible for your taxes, please forward the payment coupon at the lower portion of your tax bill to your lender.

If you own property in the city and have not received your tax city bill yet, please call our office to confirm your mailing address so we can send you a new bill. Or you can go to www.decaturgatax.com at any time to view, print, or pay your taxes.