City Of Milton: 3 Public Hearings In Early August Ahead Of Setting City's Millage Rate

Press release from the City of Milton:

07/20/2021 1:57 PM

The City of Milton will have three public hearings to discuss municipal property taxes for the coming fiscal year, part of an annual process to seek citizens' engagement before the City Council sets the millage rate.

Those hearings are scheduled to take place in City Hall's Council Chambers at 2006 Heritage Walk at the following dates and times:

• August 2 at 9 a.m.
• August 2 at 6 p.m. as part of a regular City Council meeting
• August 9 immediately following the City Council work session (that starts at 6 p.m.)

People can share their opinions with and ask questions of City staff about Milton municipal finance matters at these hearings. On August 9th, the City Council will vote on a millage rate. Property tax bills should go out in early October, just after the October 1 start of the 2022 Fiscal Year.

A millage rate is the rate at which a property owner is taxed, with a “mill” equating to $1 per every $1,000 in assessed value. Last year, City Council members set the maintenance and operating (or, M&O) millage rate at 4.731 mills -- a figure the City has had in place since incorporation (with the exception of tax year 2018) and which is capped in accordance with the 2006 state legislation creating the City. The Council will also vote to set the City's Greenspace Bond millage rate, which was set at 0.538 mills in FY 2021; a rate of 0.487 has been proposed for FY 2022.

One's tax levy is based (at least in part) on this millage rate and a property's assessed value as determined by Fulton County which, by law, is established at 40% of its fair market value. (Those wishing to challenge their property tax assessment with Fulton County can learn more at https://fultoncountyga.gov/property-and-vehicles/property/appealing-your-assessment.) Still, in Milton and elsewhere, there are multiple components to a homeowner's bill, including exemptions that may apply.

Property taxes are the City of Milton's largest revenue source, providing funding for paying police officers patrolling City streets, purchasing fire equipment used in emergencies, maintaining parks and trails enjoyed by residents, and much more. The City of Milton will release a property tax guide – with information on how to pay, the various exemption possibilities and more – after the millage rate is set. (You can review last year’s guide by clicking here.)  And you can learn more, generally, about City property taxes in Milton at this link. 

This press release was produced by the City of Milton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.