Property taxes increase

The Cullman Times By Patrick McCreless PATRICKM@CULLMANTIMES.COM If Cullman residents need something to blame for the recent increase on their property taxes, they need look no further than the county’s housing market last year. “Last year was an outstanding year,” said Brannon Ray, office manager for Doyle Real Estate. “It was one of the best volumes we’ve had.” Approximately 35,000 residents in Cullman County received their latest property tax appraisals last week, and despite the current housing market slump across the country, many discovered the value of their homes — not to mention their property taxes — had increased. However, Cullman County Revenue Commissioner Kay D. Williams-Smith said the latest appraisals are not based on this year’s housing market. “You pay in the rear,” Smith said. “You pay this year what... [read full story]