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Council discusses reestablishing cumulative capital tax rate to bolster bridge fund
Summary
County staff reminded council members that reestablishing the cumulative capital development rate to the statutory maximum would raise revenue for bridges, noting 42% of the tax allocation goes to bridge construction and an estimated $95,000 for 2026 if enacted; a public hearing and ordinance are required before May 31.
County staff reminded the DeKalb County Council that reestablishing the cumulative capital development (QM Cap) tax rate to the statutory maximum would increase funding available for bridge repair and for general capital purchases.
Susan, a staff member, summarized the process and timeline: a public hearing, ordinance adoption and remonstrance period must occur before May 31 to increase the rate to the maximum of 0.0026. She said statute now prevents the rate from automatically trending upward and that the council reestablished the rate previously in 2016 to address bridge needs. “We had been able to do this about $87,000 additional for our cap,” she said, and staff estimated approximately $95,000 in additional revenue for 2026 if the council reestablishes the rate.
Susan noted that 42% of cumulative capital receipts are allocated to bridge construction, repair and maintenance — meaning the bridge fund would receive a larger share if the rate is raised — and that many county box culverts and bridges are approaching or past their 50-year design life. Council members voiced support for maximizing bridge funding, saying bridge repair costs are rising and the county faces a backlog of structures needing replacement.
Susan asked the council to prepare for a public hearing and vote; council consensus was to proceed with the schedule and public outreach so that any ordinance can be submitted to the Department of Local Government Finance and take effect for 2026 revenue distributions.
Why it matters: Reestablishing the tax rate would increase the county’s capital and bridge fund revenue, addressing aging infrastructure that staff say includes many 50-year-old structures needing replacement.
What’s next: Staff will prepare public-hearing materials and an ordinance for council consideration; the council must complete required steps before May 31 to change the rate for 2026.
