Hinesville residents raise concern over steep 2025 property tax increases

HINESVILLE, Ga. (WTOC) - Neighbors in Hinesville are turning to social media this week after receiving property tax bills for 2025 that many say are dramatically higher than last year.

One woman told WTOC her tax bill jumped from $2,500 in 2024 to $4,000 in 2025. The spike has left some residents feeling frustrated and confused about how their bills were calculated.

“$200 may not be nothing to you, but it’s a lot to a person that’s working with a fixed income,” said Melody Johnson, a property manager in Hinesville. “And it’s a lot to people who are working with disability and things like that. It’s a lot of money to ask them to come up with.”

Many homeowners posted screenshots of their bills and compared notes online, highlighting wide variation even among neighboring properties.

“And when I looked up the property taxes for the duplex that is connected to mine, they’re connected, that one is $800 less than my rent, and I don’t understand why,” said Daniel Miller, a local landlord.

WTOC spoke with local tax officials to explain what could be behind the apparent spikes.

Liberty County Tax Commissioner James Sharp said the tax office’s role is to make sure residents receive the exemptions and tax relief they qualify for, and to help them navigate the process.

“We’re really trying to make sure that people are getting what they deserve,” Sharp said. “If you don’t have the exemptions, come down and get them. We have no problem getting you on the right track.”

Carol Sturla, chief deputy tax commissioner, urged residents to review the annual assessment notice mailed in May and pay attention to assessed values and trends.

“Look at their assessment notice that they’re given every year from the assessor’s office in May, and pay attention to the values, pay attention to the trends, and come in and file an appeal, because they do have an opportunity to do that before it comes time to print tax bills and taxes are due,” Sturla said.

Tax officials and appraisers say growth in Hinesville and surrounding counties can drive up property values. When values rise, homeowners can see higher tax bills even if the millage rate stays the same — though the millage (tax) rate itself is set by the county Board of Commissioners and the appraisal process is conducted by the property appraisal department.

“Now we understand growth and everything, but at the same time, when is enough enough? If nobody says anything, how can we change?” asked Tawanda Gibson, office manager at a local business.

Several residents said they feel the increases make little sense and that they want clearer explanations and better access to exemptions and appeals help.

What residents can do

• Review your assessment notice (typically mailed in May) and check the assessed value and comparable properties.
• Visit or contact the county tax office to confirm you are receiving any exemptions you qualify for (such as homestead exemptions or exemptions for seniors or disabled residents).
• If you disagree with your assessment, follow the county’s appeals process and file an appeal before tax bills are finalized.
• Contact your county Board of Commissioners if you have questions about the millage rate.

Tax officials say they are available to discuss individual bills and walk residents through exemptions and appeals.