Meriwether County adopts 2026 rollback millage rates; cost of a mill rises as digest grows

The Meriwether County Board of Commissioners adopted the county's 2026 rollback millage rates at a special called meeting on Aug. 31, 2026, following a required public hearing that drew no public comment. County Administrator John Gorton presented the certified rollback rates and said the rollback approach means the proposed levies do not constitute a property tax increase under Georgia law.

Gorton identified the proposed 2026 rates as countywide general government 12.277 mills, Fire District 2.304 mills, and Fire Bond 0.646 mills. He told the board, "Because the County took the rollback rate and there is a decrease in the millage rate, the County is only required to have one Public Hearing." He also reported, "The cost of a mill in 2026 is $867,888, which is about a 10% increase over last year," attributing the change to growth in the tax digest rather than a higher millage.

Commissioner Gene King moved to adopt the 2026 millage rate; Vice Chairman Jennifer Snelson seconded the motion. The motion carried with Chairman Emmett Collins, Vice Chairman Snelson, Commissioner King and Commissioner Adam Worsley voting in favor; Commissioner Bryan Threadgill was absent. County Attorney Nathan Lee confirmed the board's approval carried the authority for the chairman to sign the Resolution and any related documents needed to complete the millage process.

The board's action adopts the certified rollback rates provided by the Tax Commissioner and Board of Assessors and formalizes the county's documentation for collection by the Tax Commissioner. The resolution requires signatures from board members, the county attorney and the county clerk before being finalized.