GAINESVILLE—Hall County Commissioners on Monday voted to "keep their options open," as Commissioner Billy Powell put it, and set three public hearings regarding the county's millage rate for the 2016 fiscal year budget.
The three hearings are as follows:
- June 18, 11:30 a.m.
- June 22, 4:00 p.m.
- June 25, 6:00 p.m.
All will be held at the Hall County Government Center located on Browns Bridge Road.
Commissioner Jeff Stowe made a motion to roll the millage rate back from 5.989 mills to 5.735 mills. Based off property assessments, this would keep the tax digest roughly the same for next year, and would only require two public hearings for final approval. Commissioner Scott Gibbs voted in favor of this measure, but it was defeated 3-2.
"I think I've looked at our budget and can come up with a budget that's acceptable...by being able to roll back the taxes," said Stowe.
Commission Chairman Dick Mecum, along with Billy Powell and Kathy Cooper, voted to keep the millage rate where it is, though the final number is subject to change before the final budget approval.
"I think we need more dialog on this," said Mecum.
The county will have to advertise the meetings as a proposed tax increase, even if the millage rate stays the same.
"This being my first budget, my first question was: how can we vote on something when we know there are going to be some appeals? I don't think I can make an educated decision until the dust settles on that," said Cooper.
Cooper said she isn't necessarily looking at an increase or a total rollback.
"I'd hope that there'd be a happy medium out there. I think there's still some needs, even though I think the county's moving in a positive direction," said Cooper.
Both Cooper and Stowe said they've spoken to constituents about this very topic.
"I've had some phone conversations, and my constituents felt like the difference was not really worth the change (in the rate). They encouraged me to do this," said Cooper.
Stowe said he's heard quite the opposite.
"I've had a few talks about making sure we roll the millage rate back and making sure we have no new taxes," said Stowe.
The others who voted in favor of keeping the rate where it is—or at least considering it over three public hearings—know they might be fighting an uphill battle against citizens who are unhappy about an advertised tax increase.
"I know we'll get hounded on this," said Powell.
