BOC Property Tax Meeting 6pm

Whitfield County Board of Commissioners special-called property tax meeting, September 29, 2026. The board reviewed the county’s millage-rate history, exemptions, budget pressures, and possible spending cuts before voting to set the county rate at 7 mills, alongside the rate the school system would consider separately. The motion passed 3–2. Commissioners cited a $10.4 million budget challenge, including declining revenues and rising costs such as healthcare, and discussed further cuts for the 2027 budget. Public commenters urged restraint, greater transparency about spending and tax abatements, and scrutiny of salaries and programs; commissioners said budget information was publicly available and discussed possible cuts involving constitutional offices.

The presentation also addressed a proposed Dalton Trade Center operating arrangement that the city and trade center board had rejected earlier that day; the county may consider how to exit the arrangement at a future meeting. Parks and other projects funded through SPLOST were discussed, with officials distinguishing those funds from property-tax revenue and stating that recent project bids were within contract amounts. No contract award, solicitation, or purchasing approval was made at this meeting.