Efforts spearheaded by Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts to ensure the accurate appraisal of data centers could result in substantial increases in assessed value for “hyperscale” data centers and, if approved by the Fulton County Board of Assessors (BOA), could produce approximately $85 million in new revenue for schools, municipalities, and Fulton County government.
“This is a victory for taxpayers,” said Chairman Robb Pitts. “Last year, I received hundreds of complaints from residents regarding the undervaluation of these data centers. I immediately convened a working group of Fulton County appraisers, commissioners, school board leadership, and concerned citizens. That decisive action produced results that will help us maintain low taxes and blunt the rising cost of living in our region.”
At present 6 data centers with a total of 751,27 square feet are operating in Fulton County.
The increase in data center valuations follows Chairman Pitts’ broader initiative to level the playing field between the valuation of so-called “trophy” commercial properties and residential properties throughout Fulton County.
Approved in February, Pitts’ initiative calls for:
An outside appraisal firm to review a sample of trophy property valuations for accuracy;
The utilization of outside legal counsel with expertise in commercial real estate to defend Fulton County’s position during appeals; and
Legislative changes to Georgia law aimed at ensuring commercial properties are valued more fairly and consistently.
“The potential $85 million in new revenue is just the beginning of restoring property tax equity for our residents,” Pitts said. “Once my trophy property initiative is fully implemented, I expect to see additional revenue gains. This revenue — which had been foregone for far too long — will help address Fulton County’s critical needs, including healthcare investments and a new hospital in South Fulton, renovations to the Rice Street Jail and a new medical facility for jail inmates suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues, and more. Most importantly, it allows us to meet these needs without raising property taxes on residents.”
The BOA will be asked to approve the new values during their June 4th meeting.
“As Chair of the Board of Assessors, I am pleased that we were able to institute a new and more accurate way to value and assess data centers so that they will pay their fair share of the property tax burdens,” added BOA Chair Lee Morris.
