In a move to address the needs of a growing population and increased demand for services, Coweta County officials have announced a proposed property tax hike for 2025. According to an article by the Coweta County Government, the General Maintenance and Operations (M&O) millage rate is set for a potential increase from the previous year’s 4.688 to a proposed 4.817.
This 4.7% increase over the rollback rate of 4.601 is mainly intended to support the county's operational costs and maintain quality public services. It is an adjustment, that accounts for the area’s expansion and the related surge in service demands. In a significant restructuring of the county's revenue model, the Board of Commissioners also initiated the creation of three additional special service districts - specifically designated for Parks & Recreation, 911, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). These areas, previously funded by user fees, and the General M&O millage rate, shall now have their separate millage rates.
As a nod towards tax relief, the approved floating homestead exemption, as per House Bill (HB) 581, will be applied to eligible homes. In tandem, the Board of Commissioners is mulling over another tax-relief measure - a proposition for a 1% local option sales tax, affectionately known as FLOST. This measure aims at reducing property tax burdens and is slated for voter consideration on the November ballot.
The fiscal decisions will reach their crescendo with the Board of Commissioners' contemplation of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget on August 5. In alignment with state laws, due to the proposed millage rate surpassing the rollback rate, a series of three public hearings will chart the course of community response. The first hearing coincides with the budget decision on August 5, followed by two sessions on August 19, with times slated for 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., all hosted at the Commission Chambers at 37 Perry Street in Newnan, Georgia.
It is worth noting, the outlined property tax adjustments do not take into account other tax levies determined by municipal governing bodies or Coweta County's Board of Education. The Commissioners anticipate the formal adoption of the millage rates to transpire following the final public hearing on August 19. Residents invested in the fiscal future of Coweta County are encouraged to attend these hearings and contribute their voice to the dialogue of local governance and budgetary allocation.
