Newton County holds first public hearing on tentative 10.31% property tax increase

Newton County held the first of three public hearings on a tentative property tax increase after county staff announced a tentative millage rate of 8.567 mills — an increase of 0.801 mills, described by county staff as a 10.31% tax increase. County officials said the tentative rate would raise about $100.93 in property taxes for a homeowner with a fair-market-value home of $325,000 and about $96.12 for a non‑homestead property with a $300,000 value. The commission scheduled the remaining hearings for July 29 at 6 p.m. and Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

The announcement drew a string of public comments from residents who said the increase would hurt seniors, disabled residents and those on fixed incomes and asked for clearer detail about how the funds would be used. “We don't have no extra money,” said John Dobbs, identifying himself as a Covington resident, adding that Social Security and Medicare increases leave seniors with less disposable income. Several speakers asked why taxes were rising while they said they saw no local improvements to roads or services.

The public questioning…