The Baldwin City Council will discuss the 2024 millage rate and an entertainment district resolution during its work session on Tuesday, September 3.
The 2024 millage rate was set for the most part during the city’s budget process this past spring. In June, the council approved its FY 2025 budget. The city’s FY 2025 general fund budget was approved for $4,027,572. To achieve a balanced general fund budget, the city will raise property taxes by 1.11 mils or $195,000.
The proposed millage rate increase will require the city to hold three public hearings to provide property owners an opportunity to give their input about the property tax increase.
Last year, the City Council voted to roll back the millage rate for property owners inside the city. The proposed millage rate would increase Habersham County resident’s property taxes by 13.08% from 8.481 mils to 9.591 mils and increase Banks County resident’s property taxes by 41.7% from 2.662 mils to 3.772 mils.
SEE ALSO: Baldwin residents voice concerns over proposed millage rate hike
For property valued at 200,000, city property taxes for Habersham County property owners will see their property taxes increase from last year’s bill of $678.81 to $772.49, an increase of approximately $93.68.
For the same valued property, city property taxes for Banks County property owners will see their property taxes increase from last year’s bill of $212.96 to $301.76, an increase of approximately $88.80. Those amounts are approximate and do not include property reassessment values or any property tax exemptions.
Banks County property owners see a lower property tax millage rate due to Banks County receiving the local option sales tax that is applied each year to roll back the millage rate.
Entertainment district, other business
The council will discuss a resolution establishing an entertainment district in the city. It is unclear where that district will be located. However, in past discussions, one idea was to locate the district in the area of the Farmers Market on Airport Road.
The city council will also discuss a water sale agreement and a budget amendment for insurance reimbursements.
The Baldwin City Council will meet for its work session on Tuesday, September 3, at 6:30 p.m. The work session will be held in the Baldwin Municipal Courtroom at 155 Willingham Avenue in Baldwin.
