BALDWIN, Ga. — The Baldwin City Council will hold its second of three required public hearings on a proposed 2025 millage rate increase during a special called meeting Monday, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. in the Baldwin Municipal Courtroom.
At the first hearing earlier this month, residents pushed back against three potential tax options presented by city staff. The first option, which does not add new staff, would raise the millage rate to 11.273 mills in Habersham County — a 22% increase — and 7.003 mills in Banks County, a 48% increase.
The second option would add a finance director and a part-time social media coordinator, raising the rate to 11.880 mills in Habersham and 7.610 mills in Banks. A third option, which also includes adding city animal control, would push the rate to 12.045 mills in Habersham and 7.75 mills in Banks.
Several citizens opposed funding a social media coordinator, while some council members argued animal control should be prioritized instead. Mayor Stephanie Almangou defended the social media role, saying it would help improve communication with residents.
In addition to the millage rate hearing, the council will consider ratifying a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) intergovernmental agreement with Banks County and will vote on whether to add a finance director position to the fiscal year 2026 budget.
The meeting agenda also includes announcements on new public notification services through Everbridge, the Baldwin Fire and Police Departments’ Shop With a Hero raffle fundraiser, and details on the city’s 8th Annual Fall Festival, set for Oct. 18 at The TAP Yard.
The final public hearing on the millage rate is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks.
