Milton Property Assessment Increase Causes Tax Hike

Milton has to advertise a property tax hike even though the city is not raising the millage rate. Instead, the total value of all real property has risen, creating an increase in taxes collected by the city.

Fulton County informed Milton that its tax digest rose 1.14 percent, according to a release by the city's Communications manager, Jason Wright. That growth requires the city to hold three public hearings and advertise a property tax increase.

"However, the city is not increasing residents' taxes – by law it cannot unless a majority of registered voters choose to increase the millage rate. The increase is due solely to the reassessment of existing real estate, and the millage rate remains at the legally mandated cap of 4.731," Wright' release stated.

The public hearings, to be held in Council Chambers of , are scheduled for:

• Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. - first readings
• Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. - second reading and vote

"We want to make sure residents understand the City of Milton is not raising their taxes," said Stacey Inglis, Finance Director for the City of Milton. "As a result of the increased value of property in the city, we must advertise a 'tax increase' - but it is wholly separate from what voters decide at the polls."

Inglis said though the total digest rose 1.14 percent, values across the city varied. The Fulton County Tax Assessors Office reported some rose, while others dropped or remained stagnant.

Property tax bills will be sent Sept. 6, and taxes are due back to the city by Nov. 5.

For more information on the tax digest increase, email the city of Milton or call 678-242-2500.