Stonecrest tentatively adopts 2025 millage rate to increase property taxes by 1.53%

The Special Called Meeting of the Stonecrest City Council convened on June 9, 2025, to discuss the proposed millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year. The primary focus of the meeting was the city's tentative adoption of a millage rate of 20.25, which translates to 1.257 mills. This represents a 1.53% increase in property taxes, equating to an increase of 0.019 mills from the previous year.

City officials explained that the rollback rate, which is the millage rate that would yield the same revenue as the previous year without reassessments, is a crucial factor in determining property taxes. The proposed increase means that homeowners with a fair market value of $300,000 would see an approximate tax increase of $2.37, while nonhomestead properties valued at $500,000 would face an increase of about $3.33.

Notices regarding the proposed millage rate were published in local media outlets, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Champion, in compliance with state requirements. It was noted that while the city is not proposing a millage rate increase per se, any millage above the rollback rate is classified as a property tax increase by the state.

The meeting highlighted that there are 11,165 homestead properties with an average value of $300,000 and 9,177 nonhomestead properties averaging $500,000. Properties that have not experienced an increase in value will not see a tax increase compared to 2024. The city aims to maintain the millage rate at 1.257 mills, which has been consistent for the past four years.

The projected revenue from the proposed millage rate is approximately $2.8 million, contributing to about 17% of the city's operating and maintenance budget. The allocation of these additional funds will be addressed during the development of the 2026 budget.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions and comments from council members before transitioning into a public hearing.