Fulton County will have to go to court to defend its decision to keep most residential property values at 2016 levels in its 2017 assessment.

The state Department of Revenue rejected the county's argument that it had the authority to make that call, said Patrise Perkins-Hooker, the Fulton County attorney. They have declined to approve the county's 2017 tax digest.

A spokesperson for the Department of Revenue did not immediately return phone calls or an email seeking comment.

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In a presentation to Fulton County commissioners Wednesday, the county manager and tax assessor promised full compliance with state law, more transparency and accountability in the process.

The county is currently under a temporary collection order, which allowed tax bills to be sent after months of delay. Perkins-Hooker said she expected to file suit in Fulton County Superior Court by the end of the month.

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