FULTON COUNTY HOLDS MILLAGE RATE AT 8.87 MILLS FOR 2025

Fulton County will maintain its General Fund property tax rate at 8.87 mills for the fourth consecutive year, as approved by the Board of Commissioners on August 6, 2025.

The rate is expected to generate $930 million in revenue for 2025. Mid-year projections indicate a $54 million budget savings, primarily due to unfilled positions.

The tax rate has decreased from 10.5 mills in 2015 to 8.87 mills in 2022—a 16% reduction over the past decade. Despite ongoing financial pressures, including potential costs related to a federal consent decree on the county jail, Fulton County maintains a AAA bond rating.

The county also provides various property tax relief options, including two floating homestead exemptions and additional exemptions for seniors and other qualifying residents.

To learn more and view a list of the constituent services funded by property taxes, click here.

ADVANCE VOTING FOR SPECIAL ELECTION SENATE DISTRICT 21 UNDERWAY

Advance voting in Fulton County for the August 26, 2025, Senate District 21 Special Election began last Monday, August 4, and will continue until August 22. This special election is to replace former State Sen. Brandon Beach, who was appointed to serve as the U.S. Treasurer. 

Voters can cast early ballots at either of the two polling sites throughout Fulton County, with one of these sites also serving as an absentee ballot drop box.

Alpharetta Branch Library (also a drop box location)

10 Park Plaza

Alpharetta, GA 30009

Milton Library

855 Mayfield Road

Milton, GA 30009

Operating hours for each advance voting site are as follows:

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Monday, August 11 - Friday, August 22

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Saturday - August 16

No Sunday Voting

FULTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED TO

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES COMMITTEES

Five Fulton County Commissioners have been appointed to serve on key committees of the National Association of Counties (NACo), representing Fulton County’s interests and influencing national policy on a variety of important issues.

District 1 Commissioner Bridget Thorne was appointed to NACo’s International Economic Development Innovation Council and the Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Steering Committee. In these roles, she will help guide international economic development efforts and collaborate with leaders from major urban counties to influence national policy.

District 3 Commissioner Dana Barrett has been appointed to the Arts and Culture Innovation Council, Health Policy Steering Committee, and LUCC. In these roles, she will advocate for the transformative power of the arts, help shape national health policy discussions, and work alongside other large urban county leaders to address challenges facing metropolitan communities. Commissioner Barrett’s involvement will support initiatives that promote creative economic strategies and ensure Fulton County’s voice is represented in shaping federal urban policy.

District 4 Commissioner Mo Ivory has been appointed to five NACo committees: the Arts and Culture Innovation Council, Healthy Counties Innovation Council, International Economic Development Innovation Council, LUCC, and Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee. She will collaborate with national leaders to promote the arts, advance public health strategies, support global economic growth, advocate for large urban counties on federal policy, and review of safety matters that impact all communities.

District 5 Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington, Jr. will serve on the Arts and Culture Innovation Council and the Justice & Public Safety Steering Committee. His work will focus on leveraging the arts for economic growth and addressing key public safety issues such as law enforcement, emergency management, and justice reform.

District 6 Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman has also been appointed to the Arts and Culture Innovation Council and LUCC. She will advocate for the role of the arts in community development and work with urban county leaders to promote metropolitan priorities at the federal level.

The appointments, made by NACo President J.D. Clark, provide a platform for all three commissioners to elevate Fulton County’s presence in national policy discussions and further serve their districts through strategic collaboration.

UGA EXTENSION MASTER GARDENERS HOST GREAT SOUTHEAST POLLINATOR CENSUS IN FULTON COUNTY

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census, a citizen science initiative created by the University of Georgia, promotes pollinator conservation through community engagement and education. Fulton County residents are invited to participate in pollinator counting and related activities on Saturday, August 23.

This event is hosted by UGA Extension Fulton County Master Gardener volunteers and offers educational opportunities and family-friendly fun across multiple local gardens.

Event Locations and Times:

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, Summerour House Garden

9770 Autrey Mill Rd,

Johns Creek, GA 30022

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Chastain Park, Native Plant Garden

4001 Powers Ferry Rd NW,

Atlanta, GA 30342

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Growl Garden at Camp Truitt 4-H Center

4300 Herschel Road,

College Park, GA 30337

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Little Diggers Booth at Sandy Springs Farmers Market

1 Galambos Way,

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

8:30 a.m.– 12 p.m.

Lost Corner Preserve

7300 Brandon Mill Rd NW,

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

For more information, visit gsepc.org.

APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE

FALL FULTON FRESH MOBILE MARKET

The Fulton County Fresh Mobile Market is gearing up for fall! The Fulton County Cooperative Extension is now accepting applications from organizations interested in serving as host sites for the 2025 Fall sessions. All applications are due by 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Host sites will assist in the set up and advertising of the sessions held at their location. The 2025 Fall Season will be conducted between September through November 2025.

Location stops will be selected through an application process. Priority will be given to areas located within a USDA Food Desert. Agencies that have been selected in the past are also invited to reapply to participate in the 2025 Fall Fresh Mobile Market.

To apply, see the link below:

https://forms.office.com/g/ZGygmVNfmz

For more information, contact shirley.dodd@fultoncountyga.gov or 404-613-4935.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IN FULTON COUNTY WAS A

COMMUNITY SUCCESS

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, despite the rain, residents, law enforcement, and local leaders gathered at Veterans Park in Palmetto for National Night Out. The free, family-friendly event featured live entertainment, games, food, and community resources.

This event was a powerful display of partnership, bringing the community and law enforcement together to build trust, connection, and mutual understanding.

FULTON COUNTY TO RECEIVE INCREASED HIV FUNDING

The Department for HIV Elimination has been awarded $5,119,509 for Fiscal Year 2025 through the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative. A 0.65% increase from last year’s $5,086,379. The funding supports efforts to reduce HIV in Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett Counties.

In addition, Fulton County will receive full funding for the Ryan White Part A and Minority AIDS Initiative, totaling $32,339,493. An increase of $65,278 over FY2024.

The EHE initiative, launched in 2019 by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, aims to reduce new HIV infections by 75% in five years and 90% in ten years through targeted funding and cross-agency collaboration.

Fulton County's services for people living with HIV are one of the ways we are creating a safer and healthier community.

Click here to learn more.

FULTON COUNTY BOARD APPOINTMENTS AND RECAP

During the regular meeting on August 6, 2025, members of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners made the following appointments to boards and commissions:

Fulton County Veterans’ Empowerment Commission Inc.

• District 3 Commissioner Dana Barrett nominated Marcel Foster for a term that will end December 31, 2027.

Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities Regional Advisory Council

• District 6 Commissioner Bridget Thorne nominated Cathy Murphy for reappointment to a term that will end August 1, 2028.

ADOPT A PET FOR FREE THROUGH AUGUST 29

DURING FREE DOG FRIDAY

Looking to add a furry friend to your family? Now’s the perfect time! Now through Friday, August 29, dog adoptions are FREE every Friday at select Fulton County locations.

For more information and to view adoptable pets, visit: fultonanimalservices.com or

lifelineanimal.org

Fulton County Animal Services

1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd. NW, Atlanta 30336

Phone: (404) 613-0358

Hours:

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Learn more: Fulton County Animal Services

MEET PRESTON, FULTON COUNTY'S PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Preston

This handsome 2-year-old pup is the total package! Preston is smart, social, and ready to find his forever home! He has a wonderful medium energy level: he’s up for playtime in the morning and happy to relax and snuggle when it’s time to unwind.

Preston is already potty trained, walks well on a leash, and has experience living in a home. He's more than ready to make a smooth transition into yours. He’s friendly with other dogs, has done well with cats (slow introductions are recommended), and has politely met children. Preston truly gets along with everyone!

You can stop by Fulton County Animal Services any day of the week to meet Preston and hundreds of other adoptable dogs and cats. Our address is 1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30336. For more information about one of our pets, email adoptions@fultonanimalservices.com or call 404.613.0357.

FULTON COUNTY MARSHAL'S OFFICE HOSTS 4TH ANNUAL BACKPACK GIVEAWAY

The Fulton County Marshal's Office continued its commitment to community outreach by hosting its 4th Annual Backpack Giveaway, providing students with the tools they need for a strong start to the school year. Families from across the county gathered for the event, where hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to K–12 students.

COMMISSIONER ARRINGTON JR. HOSTS 10TH ANNUAL "IT TAKES A VILLAGE BACK TO SCHOOL" BACKPACK GIVEAWAY

Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. hosted the 10th Annual It Takes a Village Back-to-School Drive in South Fulton, where 10 college-bound students each received a $500 scholarship. More than 300 K–12 students were also equipped for success with free backpacks and school supplies.

FULTON COUNTY CELEBRATES THE 2025 SUMMER INTERN CLASS

The Fulton County Clerk of Superior & Magistrate Court proudly celebrated its 2025 Summer Intern Class with a graduation ceremony recognizing their dedication, growth, and contributions over the course of the program.

FULTON COUNTY CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF THE ADA

Community members, advocates, and local leaders came together to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), honoring 35 years of progress in accessibility, equity, and disability rights.

ANIMAL WELFARE BOARD MEETING

Monday, August 11, 2025 | 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Fulton County Government Center Assembly Hall, 141 Pryor Street, Atlanta, Georgia

Fulton County Animal Services Advisory Board Meetings are regularly scheduled public meetings held to provide oversight, guidance, and policy recommendations regarding animal welfare services in Fulton County.

The board reviews shelter operations, evaluates animal control initiatives, addresses community concerns, and supports strategies to improve the health and safety of both animals and residents.

Click here to view the agenda

BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING

Tuesday, August 12, 2025 | 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Fulton County Board of Assessors, 235 Peachtree St., Suite 1400, 14th Floor Conference. Atlanta, GA 30303.



The Fulton County Board of Assessors Meeting is a public meeting where the Board of Assessors discusses matters related to property assessments and taxation in Fulton County, Georgia. These meetings provide transparency and allow the public to stay informed about how property values are determined, which directly impacts property taxes.

The board will hold a special called meeting in executive session. The meeting is expected to be a discussion only, with no public action following executive

session.

VETERANS EMPOWERMENT COMMISSION MEETING

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | 10:30 a.m. | Georgia State Capitol, 206 Washington Street, SW Room 124, Atlanta, GA 30334 Suggested Parking: Pete Hackney Parking Deck

The Fulton County Veterans Empowerment Commission functions solely as an advisory body to the Board of Commissioners.

The Veterans Commission shall investigate and provide recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on priorities, objectives, and policies that will support the veteran population in Fulton County, Georgia, including relevant funding recommendations for public and private programs.

Click here to view the agenda.

FULTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 10 a.m. | Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor Street, Atlanta, Georgia

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners will hold the scheduled second August Meeting on Wednesday, August 20, at 10 a.m. in the Fulton County Government Center’s Assembly Hall, 141 Pryor Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30303.

The Board will receive updates from the County Manager, several Fulton County departments, and partners.

PUBLIC WORKS ADOPT-A-STREAM WORKSHOP

Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Bear Creek Nature Center 6300 Cochran Mill Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268

This interactive workshop is part of Georgia’s Adopt-A-Stream program and is designed to engage residents, educators, students, and environmental stewards in protecting and improving the health of our local waterways.

Participants will receive hands-on training in water quality monitoring techniques, including chemical and biological testing, and learn how to collect valuable data used to safeguard stream ecosystems.

Click here to register

JOIN US FOR COMMUNITY SCAN DAY

Monday, September 8, 2025 | 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303

Presented by Central Library in partnership with the Fulton County Arts & Culture Public Art Futures Lab and the Georgia Public Library Service

Discover the power of preservation at Community Scan Day!

This special event gives participants the opportunity to digitize cherished items using our EPSON 1200XL Large Format Scanner. With scanning capabilities up to 12.2" x 17.2" and a high resolution of 2500 x 4800 DPI, it's perfect for digitizing oversized materials such as posters, artwork, or historical documents.

What to Bring:

• A USB thumb drive
• An active email address to receive your scanned files

FREE ARTIST TALK AND SCREENING WITH ANDREA BROWN

Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 10 a.m. | Public Art Futures Lab Underground Atlanta, 88 Lower Alabama Street, Atlanta, GA 30303

Join us for a work-in-progress screening of McPherson: Major General, a hybrid AI-driven documentary short by filmmaker Althea Brown. The film highlights the life and legacy of Major General James Birdseye McPherson, a significant yet often overlooked Union general who played a key role in the Civil War before his death at the Battle of Atlanta.

Following the screening, Brown will discuss her creative process and the unique challenges and opportunities of using AI tools in historical documentary filmmaking.

TO VIEW OUR FULL AUGUST CALENDAR: CLICK HERE

If you are looking for a position where you can impact the lives of the citizens daily, then Fulton County is the place for you!

Fulton County has several job opportunities that could be a perfect fit. Closing dates vary by position.