August 28, 2026 Proposed FY27 Millage Rate Public Hearing #1

The Macon-Bibb County held a public hearing on August 28, 2026, to discuss the proposed fiscal year 2027 millage rate. The county commission reviewed the complexities of property tax assessments and emphasized that the millage rate would remain unchanged at 9.575 for FY27, consistent with the previous year. The discussion highlighted that property tax revenues currently cover only a portion of public safety budgets, which have increased significantly since 2021. Public speakers expressed concerns about the impact of property taxes on low-income renters and financially vulnerable residents, urging consideration of affordability and housing stability. The commission clarified that the school system did not increase its millage rate and reminded the public of an upcoming referendum on senior citizen tax exemptions. No new tax rate increases or procurement decisions were made during this hearing; the focus was on budgetary transparency and public input ahead of the final millage rate adoption scheduled for September 1, 2026.