Newton County announces tentative 10.31% property tax increase; public hearing draws senior and taxpayer concerns

Newton County finance staff read a tentative millage rate into the record Thursday that county officials said would raise property taxes by 10.31%, prompting a public hearing where residents urged clarifications and relief for seniors and disabled taxpayers.

The county’s tentative millage rate of 8.567 mills — an increase of 0.801 mills over the rollback rate of 7.766 mills — “will require an increase in property taxes of 10.31%,” Finance Director Bridal White said while reading the statement required for the public record. The county estimated the proposed tax increase would add about $100.93 a year for a homeowner with a $325,000 fair‑market value home and about $96.12 for a non‑homestead property valued at $300,000.

Why it matters: The millage statement triggered a required public hearing under Georgia law and drew more than a half dozen residents who said the proposed increase would burden seniors and people on fixed incomes and asked for detail about how the additional revenue would be spent.

During public comment, residents repeatedly asked where the extra revenue…