Please understand that $383 is a lot of money for some of us.

CATOOSA COUNTY, Georgia — Homeowners in Catoosa County can expect higher property taxes next year.

We previously reported that the Catoosa County School Board approved new property tax rates.

And the County Commission is determined to do the same.

County officials say rising demand for homes has led to a rise in real estate prices.

And that increase in property value affects how much tax someone pays.

The district tells us that about two-thirds of the property taxes go to schools.

The rest is used by the county for public works, fire services and more.

The way Catoosa County elected officials approve tax changes is different from that of Hamilton County.

On Tuesday we drove to Catoosa County to learn more about this process.

Some citizens say the tax increase does not bother them.

“The tax rate really doesn’t affect me,” says local resident Dennis Catlin. “I’m retired and have a really nice life.”

But others, like Christy Wallace of Catoosa, say they are concerned about their personal finances.

When is enough enough? We must pay good wages, but we must also learn to live within our means.

Catoosa County spokesman John Pless says the tax rate determines the amount the county will spend on services such as first responders, fire protection, law enforcement and public works.

He says appraisers have found that real estate prices in Catoosa County have skyrocketed.

They evaluated 30,500 properties whose market value had changed.

This is due to the high demand for housing here.

Why is demand high?

According to Pless, Catoosa County is growing. Realtors, developers and others say they can’t keep up with demand for housing.

High demand means higher property values.

If the value of a house increases, the tax rate must be reduced accordingly.

A reduction in the tax rate is called a “rollback.”

Georgia state law requires counties to lower your tax rate if property values ​​increase and you live there.

In contrast, across the border in Hamilton County, the school board proposes the budget and the school commissioners then vote on it.

In Catoosa County, however, the county commission does not have the necessary approval authority.

Instead, the school board votes and approves the budget, after which the commission simply ratifies the budget.

Pless told us they understand those who are concerned about their personal finances, but the county commission will not intervene unless the tax rate goes above 20.

Count on us to keep you updated.