Austell homeowners who are still catching their breath from last year’s 158% property tax jump may be in for another jolt. City officials are asking residents to weigh in on a new proposed property tax increase of about 4.82%, which would push the city’s millage rate to roughly 8.50 mills. The request comes about a year after the City of Austell approved that sweeping 158% hike in 2025.
According to the City of Austell, the council has tentatively set the new rate at 8.50 mills, a 0.38 mill increase that officials describe as roughly a 4.82% rise. The city paired the proposed rate with budget documents and invited taxpayers to sift through the numbers ahead of a round of public hearings.
WSB-TV reports that the council will take public comment at three hearings in the Threadmill Complex council chambers: July 6 at 11 a.m., July 6 at 5 p.m., and July 13 at 6 p.m. Those sessions give residents multiple chances to ask questions or voice support or opposition before any final vote.
What the Proposal Would Cost Homeowners
The city’s meeting materials lay out what the change would look like on actual tax bills. A homestead with a fair market value of $310,479 would see an estimated $46.63 increase for the year. A non-homestead property valued at $334,704 would pay about $50.88 more annually.
Those examples come from the public notice posted by the City of Austell, which was circulated along with the hearing announcement so taxpayers could see how the numbers might hit their own bottom line.
Why the Hearings Are Required
Under Georgia law, local governments must calculate a "rollback" millage rate after reassessments and then publicly advertise whenever they want to collect more than that rollback amount. If a city or county proposes a rate that will bring in higher revenue, it has to hold three public hearings before moving forward.
The procedures are spelled out in Georgia Revenue Rule 560-11-2, which sets the rules for notices, calculations, and hearings. For a refresher on last year’s much larger increase and the public reaction it sparked, 158% Tax Hike covered the 2025 vote and its fallout.
How to Weigh In
Residents who want to speak directly to city leaders can attend any of the three hearings at the Threadmill Complex council chambers. The full schedule, as published by the city, is carried by WSB-TV.
For those who cannot attend in person, city notices encourage residents to review the posted meeting materials ahead of time or submit comments to the city clerk’s office. The council will gather public feedback during the hearings and then decide how to proceed under the advertised schedule. Anyone planning to follow the details or speak at the meetings is urged to check the city calendar and meeting packet before July 6.
