ROSWELL, GA — Roswell residents are voicing concerns over a proposed 56% increase in the city’s millage rate that would raise the average city property tax bill to about $1,700.
Dozens of residents spoke during a packed City Council meeting about the proposed increase.
“This type of hike is not reasonable,” one resident said.
Another resident raised concerns about how the increase could affect some people in the city.
“This will hurt financially the poor in our city, and the elderly. On that alone, we should reconsider,” the resident said.
City leaders say the increase is needed to pay for day-to-day services and repay a bond program approved by voters four years ago.
Roswell Finance Director Adam Novotney provided an example of how much a homeowner could pay under the proposed rate.
“Roswell homeowners whose property has a fair market value of $575,000 with an assessed value of $230,000, would pay about $1,778,” Novotney said.
Residents also questioned whether the city considered other ways to address its financial needs.
“I would love for y’all to explain what specific spending reductions were considered, and why those spending reductions were rejected and why increasing the burden on the taxpayers is the best option? It’s short and sweet, the math is not mathing,” one resident said.
No final decision on the proposed increase is expected before the end of the month. Additional public hearings are scheduled for later this week.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Keith Cromwell contributed to this story.