City proposes major tax hike for top businesses

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed potential changes to the business license renewal fees in Fairburn, which have remained unchanged since 2012. Currently, the maximum fee is set at $15,000, a figure that some of the city's largest businesses pay despite their substantial revenues. City officials are proposing to increase this cap to $50,000, which could generate an additional $250,000 for the city budget. This increase aims to alleviate the financial impact of a potential millage rate increase, the first in a decade.

The proposal specifically targets the top 20 businesses in Fairburn, all of which report annual gross receipts exceeding $37 million. Small businesses, often referred to as \"mom and pops,\" would not be affected by this change. The city is currently working with legal advisors to draft the necessary ordinance updates, which may require public hearings.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the need for a systematic review of city ordinances, many of which have not been updated in years. City administration acknowledged the ongoing effort to identify outdated regulations but admitted that a formalized review process has yet to be established. This could necessitate additional resources to comprehensively assess and update the city's ordinances, a task that has been recognized as critical for adapting to the evolving business environment.

The discussions reflect a proactive approach by city officials to ensure that Fairburn's regulatory framework aligns with current economic realities while also addressing budgetary needs.