Milton officials face a dilemma, a conflict between the founding principles of better services and lower taxes.
One citizen, Mark Hanley, has raised the specter of Milton imposing a cap on taxes derived from higher property assessments, similar to one that the legislature established for Fulton County in 2004.
Under that law, property tax bills can only go up by 3 percent or by the consumer price index, whichever is lower, regardless of assessments.
In 2006, when the community of Milton weighed whether to incorporate and assume delivery of services from Fulton County, supporters argued the city would be able to improve services and keep taxes low.
A quick analysis by city staff estimates that would result in a $265,000 loss in revenue.
Mayor Joe Lockwood said the City Council will have to decide which route would best benefit the city’s 20,000 residents.
“You can argue it both ways,” Lockwood said. “There’s the negative of someone passing more taxes, but is it enough to make a difference if we return it. It could mean cuts in services that people would see.”
Many residents saw their tax bill go up last year, not because the city raised its property tax rate, but because Fulton County reassessed their property at a higher value. Some residents view that as a backdoor tax increase.
The City Council has asked for more information before deciding what to do.
“I’ll reserve judgment,” Hanley said.
Labels: city of milton, Georgia, Taxes
# posted by
Brian Vanderhoff @ 3:06 PM
