Sandy Springs has kept the exact same property tax rate every year since the city incorporated in 2005, but that streak of stability won't stop homeowners from seeing a tax increase this year. The city's fiscal year 2027 budget, adopted by the mayor and council over the summer, keeps the millage rate at 4.731 mills, below the state-calculated rollback rate of 4.743 mills.
The city is holding its rate at 4.731 mills, according to Rough Draft Atlanta, compared with a rollback rate of 4.743 mills. Because property values rose after a recent reassessment, keeping the millage rate flat still produces more tax revenue than last year — and under Georgia law, that counts as an increase that must be publicly advertised. State law requires the city to advertise the situation as a 0.26% tax increase, even though the rate itself isn't moving, as WSB-TV also reported.
Why a Flat Rate Still Triggers a Tax Hike Notice
The rollback millage rate is a state-mandated calculation meant to produce the same total revenue on the current year's tax digest that the prior year's rate would have generated without reassessments, according to the Georgia Department of Revenue. When a city or county sets its rate above that rollback figure, Georgia law requires a legally mandated announcement and three public hearings so residents can weigh in before the rate is finalized, per the state's compliance guidance.
Sandy Springs has scheduled its three required hearings at City Hall for Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. and Nov. 3 at 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., the report notes. City taxes make up roughly 14% of a typical property owner's total tax bill, with the rest going to overlapping jurisdictions like Fulton County and the school system. Once the millage rates are formally set following the hearings, final property tax calculations will be made, with refunds or revised bills issued only if needed.
Other Metro Atlanta Cities Face Similar Hikes
Sandy Springs isn't alone in navigating this process this fall. Fulton County has announced its intention to increase 2026 General Fund property taxes by 0.54% above its rollback rate, according to a Fulton County government announcement. Johns Creek has posted a larger proposed jump, announcing its intention to raise 2026 property taxes by 1.70% over its rollback rate, per the City of Johns Creek.
Kennesaw's proposed maintenance-and-operations millage rate increase is 4.25% above the rollback rate, and its bond millage rate increase is 3.70% above rollback, according to the Cobb County Courier.
What Comes Next for Sandy Springs Property Owners
For Sandy Springs residents, the upcoming hearings represent the formal opportunity to weigh in before the city's mayor and council finalize the rate for the coming fiscal year. In Sandy Springs, rising property assessments have prompted a tax-increase notice even though the millage rate is staying flat.
