Newton County holds third public hearing on tentative 8.567 millage rate, residents warn seniors will be hit hard

The Newton County Board of Commissioners held a third public hearing on the county's tentative millage rate, and finance director Britney White told the board the rate would be 8.567 mills, a 0.801-mill increase that county staff says amounts to a 10.31% increase in property taxes.

The tentative rate, White said, is intended to support the fiscal year 2026 budget the board adopted June 17, 2025. White told the board the majority of the $8.7 million in new revenue needed comes from a $3.7 million compensation and classification salary increase, $1.5 million for a 14% increase in health insurance costs, $1.75 million for contingency and new positions (including public works mowing and litter crews), $1 million for bridge repairs and $750,000 for culvert replacements. White also read the county's tax increase statement into the record and said the county had held two prior hearings on July 29 (11 a.m. and 6 p.m.), and that three hearings are required.

Why this matters: County officials said the tentative millage is intended to pay recurring operating costs included in the adopted FY26 budget, including public safety and road maintenance. Residents who spoke said the increase would be unaffordable for many seniors and questioned whether the county is using existing revenues and authority efficiently.

Public comments: Several residents addressed the board during the allotted three-minute public-comment period. Kevin Gough, a Covington resident, said, "services certainly today are no…