Frequently Asked Questions concerning sanitation service being billed on Henry County Tax bills for residences in the City of Stockbridge (COS).

1. Why is COS placing sanitation service fees on individual’s Henry County Tax bill?
To better serve our customers, being billed on property owner’s tax bill will prevent rental properties from avoiding payment and help keep costs down to discourage rate increases.

2. Are we still required to have COS sanitation service?
Yes. It is a City ordinance for every property owner to have sanitation service for their residence.

3. Will this billing on my tax bill affect my mortgage payment and make my house note increase if I have an escrow account?
This question should be addressed to your mortgage company. Since the amount for sanitation service is only $12.00 per month ($144.00 per year) the escrow may not be affected, or if so, very little.

4. Will I get billed for a vacant house?
Yes. The COS has no way of knowing who moves in or out of a residence because they don’t sign up for service.

5. How can COS bill a sanitation fee on a tax bill since it is not a tax?
This has been approved by the Henry County Tax Commissioner and the City of Stockbridge’s legal department. Many cities and counties are practicing this form of collection for sanitation fees.

6. Is a vacant lot being billed?
No. However, if a house is constructed on a vacant lot, at a later date, it will be billed a sanitation fee.

7. When will this be in effect?
You will continue to pay the sanitation bill directly to the COS through 1 December 2009 billing. Your tax bill will cover sanitation services for the year 2010.