Milton residents, get ready to voice your opinions on property taxes. The City of Milton is holding three public hearings in the next few weeks to discuss the fiscal year's millage rate before the City Council locks it in. According to a recent announcement, the hearings are part of a standard process to invite the community's input prior to the council setting the rate.
For those looking to attend, the hearings will take place at City Hall’s Council Chambers, with the first session set on August 5 at 9 a.m. during a Special Called City Council Meeting. Later the same day, another session will follow at 6 p.m. during a regular meeting. The final hearing is scheduled for August 12, also in the evening. The council aims to actively make a decision regarding the millage rate at the August 12 meeting.
The City will advertise the public hearings in the Milton Herald on July 25 and August 1, as required by the State of Georgia law. The law mandates that local governments hold at least three public hearings, affording residents multiple opportunities to take part in the discourse and inquire on matters close to their wallets and homes.
At the hearings, City staff will tender the current millage rate of 4.389 mills to consider alongside possible reduced rates. In a statement obtained by the official City of Milton news release, Deputy City Manager Bernadette Harvill elucidated, "By advertising at the current millage rate, the Council can adopt any rate up to that without needing additional advertising and meetings." She stressed this is also a chance for detailed deliberations on millage rate options and corresponding service levels.
For context, the millage rate defines the tax level on property, with each "mill" representing a dollar tax per thousand dollars of assessed property value. The millage rate directly affects the funding for essential city services like firefighting, policing, and park maintenance. In Milton, property taxes are the heavyweight champion of revenue sources, so where the millage rate sets will ripple through community services.
Concerned citizens or those simply curious are invited to dial the City’s Finance Department at 678-242-2510 or send an email to [email protected] for further clarification on the millage rate's implications.
