City of Stonecrest conducts final hearing on 2025 millage rate adoption

The City Council of Stonecrest convened on June 26, 2025, for a public hearing regarding the proposed adoption of the 2025 millage rate. This meeting marked the third and final hearing required by state law, following two previous sessions held on June 9. Revenue Manager Eric Hawkins presented the proposed millage rate of 1.257 mills, which represents a 1.53% increase in property taxes.

Hawkins explained that the millage rate is crucial for calculating property taxes, with one mill equating to $1 in taxes per $1,000 of assessed property value. The proposed increase would affect properties that have seen reassessments, while those with unchanged values would not experience a tax hike. For example, a home valued at $300,000 would see an increase of approximately $2.37, while a non-homestead property valued at $500,000 would incur an increase of about $3.33.

The city has complied with all public notice requirements, including advertisements in local media. Hawkins noted that the millage rate has remained unchanged for the past four years, making it the lowest among the twelve cities in DeKalb County. The proposed rate is expected to generate approximately $2.8 million in revenue, which constitutes about 17% of the city's operating budget.

During the public hearing, Councilwoman Mia Williams emphasized the importance of understanding the city's role in property tax assessments, clarifying that the city does not appraise properties or send tax bills. Instead, these responsibilities fall to the county's tax assessor's office.

The public hearing allowed for community input, with one resident expressing concerns about recent property tax increases due to reassessments. The resident highlighted the need for clearer communication regarding tax implications and suggested that the council should provide more information to residents before tax bills are issued.

Following the public comments, the council moved to open the floor for further discussion on the proposed millage rate. The motion to adopt the 2025 millage rate was approved unanimously, with all five council members voting in favor.

In conclusion, the Stonecrest City Council's meeting addressed significant financial matters concerning property taxes, with the proposed millage rate reflecting the city's ongoing efforts to maintain fiscal responsibility while meeting community needs. The council will continue to engage with residents to ensure transparency and understanding of tax-related issues.