Newton County adopts 2025 millage rate, approves fire-services programs and confirms DFCS appointment

The Newton County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 5 adopted the countymaintenance-and-operations millage rate for 2025 and approved a package of Fire Services items, while also confirming a District 4 appointment to the Newton County Department of Family and ChildrenServices.

The board adopted a 2025 millage rate of 8.567 for county maintenance and operations and 0.892 for the fire district after Finance Director Britney White told commissioners the county had completed the required advertisements and public hearings. "We are seeking approval to adopt the millage rate at 8.567 for county M and O and for the fire district 0.892," White said. A motion to adopt the rates was made and seconded; the chair announced the motion carried.

Why it matters: the millage rate determines how the county translates the tax digest into revenue for county operations and fire services. Commissioners discussed the rate in the context of the budget process and public comments from residents who said the increase would burden seniors and…