Avondale Estates leaders are moving toward a property tax hike that has plenty of homeowners reaching for a calculator. The city’s governing board has tentatively set a 9.55 millage rate that would work out to about a 10.12 percent jump in city property taxes, adding roughly 0.878 mills over the rollback rate. That tentative move automatically triggers three public hearings later this month so residents can sound off. City examples show the increase would mean a few hundred dollars more per year for many property owners.
According to WSB‑TV, the tentative 9.55 mill rate represents a 10.12 percent increase over the rollback and would raise the millage by 0.878 mills. The rollback rate would be no more than 8.672 mills. The station reported that city officials presented the proposal as a tentative adoption so they could follow the legal requirement to hold public hearings before taking a final vote.
The city has scheduled three hearings on the proposed rate: June 23 at 6:30 p.m., June 24 at 5:30 p.m., and June 30 at 6:00 p.m. All three will take place at Avondale Estates City Hall, 21 N. Avondale Plaza. Those dates and times appear on the official City of Avondale Estates calendar, which also includes agenda links and related meeting materials.
What the proposal would do
As reported by WSB‑TV, a homeowner whose residence has a fair market value of $575,000 would pay about $197.55 more in city taxes under the tentative rate. A non-homestead property with a fair market value of $650,000 would see an increase of roughly $175.60. The numbers come from the city’s illustrative examples that accompany the proposed millage rate.
Why leaders say they need more revenue
In recent years, city notices about tax proposals have said rate hikes are needed to maintain services in the face of rising costs. Avondale Estates also publishes its tax digest and a five-year history of the levy so residents can see how the numbers are put together. Those documents, including the city’s tax digest and levy history, are available from the City of Avondale Estates.
How to weigh in
Residents who want to speak on the proposal can attend any of the City Hall hearings or send written comments to the Board before the June 30 meeting, when final adoption is scheduled. The city posts agendas, speaker instructions, and contact information on its calendar and agenda pages, and those who cannot attend in person are encouraged to review the listings or call City Hall for guidance on how to participate.
Over the coming weeks, expect more neighborhood chatter as the board listens to public comment and decides whether to lock in the 9.55 mill rate on June 30. If the tentative rate is approved, many Avondale Estates homeowners will see a noticeable bump in their city tax bill next year.
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