ROSWELL, GA — Roswell residents packed another City Council meeting as city leaders consider raising the millage rate by about 20% to 5.9 mills.

The revised proposal is down from an earlier plan that called for an increase of about 50%. City leaders say the proposed increase would raise an estimated $18 million to fund a list of projects and services.

City Finance Director Adam Novotney outlined several expenses during the meeting, including $2.5 million for the Atlanta Regional Commission, police patrol laptop replacements and a fleet replacement plan costing $3.9 million.

City leaders said delaying the rate increase would cost more down the road, but several residents continued to voice concerns about the proposal.

“Real leadership requires making tough choices, cutting waste, and prioritizing essential services. Not taking the easy way out by placing such a crushing tax burden on the backs of hardworking people,” one resident said.

Another resident questioned whether an increase is needed.

“And the real question is, is the millage rate that you currently have sufficient for what is budgeted for this year? I think that answer is yes,” the resident said.

Others also raised concerns about the timing of the proposal.

“Raising this in 2026 right now is really ridiculous and a shock to a lot of us,” one resident said.

The Roswell City Council is scheduled to take a final vote on the proposed rate increase next week.

WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Keith Cromwell contributed to this story.