DeKalb County leaders are taking aim at blighted properties with a new initiative that could dramatically increase property taxes for owners who fail to clean up neglected buildings.
County officials announced the creation of a Blight Tax Task Force, which will identify deteriorating properties and pursue higher taxes on owners who do not address violations.
Officials say the effort is initially focused on abandoned and run-down commercial properties, such as vacant motels and former businesses that have become eyesores…