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Taxes have always been a contentious topic in government. There has always been a divide on how much to spend and how much to tax. However, the commission seems to have taken a liking to spending as much as they want, but it’s Fulton County’s taxpayers that bear the brunt.
This was evident during the discussion of the proposed millage rate hike at the June 18, 2025, Fulton County Board of Commissioners meeting, from the current 8.87 mills to 9.87 mills. That is an extra $78 million dollars with no planned purpose or request by county staff.
The millage rate is a taxing value proportional to the home. It represents the amount of tax payable per dollar of a property's assessed value.
The county employs professionals to prepare a budget and determine the amount of funding needed to support that budget. The Board of Commissioners is ultimately responsible for adopting a budget and does make changes based on competing priorities. In general, I support keeping the budget as closely aligned to staff recommendations as possible. What I do not support is throwing in an increase that county budget staff have no need or desire to spend. It is one thing to disagree over how much to spend on any particular item, it is another to grow the budget for no reason other than growing the budget.
I will not support an increase to 9.87 mils, and I will stand up for Fulton’s taxpayers. I am not in support of this significant tax increase. This is a want, not a need—and ever-increasing spending is a habit we simply cannot afford.
MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD!
The Board is scheduled to set the 2025 millage rate in the coming weeks. The proposed rate for 2025 is 9.87 mills, compared to the 2024 rate of 8.87 mills. Fulton County property owners are encouraged to participate in one of three upcoming public hearings to share their feedback on the proposed rate.
Residents may attend in person at the Fulton County Government Center Assembly Hall, located at 141 Pryor Street, Atlanta, GA 30303, or join virtually via Zoom using the links below:
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 10 a.m.
JOIN THE ZOOM
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 6 p.m.
JOIN THE ZOOM
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 10 a.m.
JOIN THE ZOOM
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