Rockdale County board adopts 2025 millage at rollback rate of 18.284; returns host penny credit at 50.29%

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners voted to set the 2025 millage rate at the rollback level of 18.284 and to apply a 50.29% host sales-tax credit, approving the measure by voice vote at a called meeting.

Interim Finance Director Sue Sanders said the proposed millage of 18.284 is a reduction from last year’s 18.69 and described how revenue is allocated. “The proposed millage for 2025 is 18.284, which is a millage reduction,” Sanders said, and she told the board that the rate would produce an estimated $91,030,520 in property tax revenue and, with non‑property revenues of $38,147,777, a 2025 revenue total of $129,178,297.

Why it matters: the rollback rate is calculated to generate the same amount from property taxes as the previous year, Sanders said; because property values have risen, some homeowners may still see higher bills despite a lower millage. Sanders illustrated sample impacts: for a $100,000 home she showed an estimated county tax of $227.17 with homestead and host exemptions (about $731.36 without exemptions), and for a $350,000 home an estimated $1,136.12 with exemptions (about $2,559.76 without).

During discussion commissioners and staff emphasized budget pressures driving conservative planning. Sanders said the county included about $2 million for inflationary adjustments, has made pay‑plan updates, and noted anticipated costs tied to House Bill 85 affecting judges’ compensation. She also said the county has funded a 2.5% cost‑of‑living increase this year from contingency and will need to fully fund related costs for 2026.

A resident, Nick Duva, urged clearer coordination between county and school tax presentations so residents can see the combined tax impact. “I look at it as an investment in our community,” Duva said, asking that county and school officials hold a joint meeting next year so taxpayers can better understand total costs.

Board action and next steps: an unnamed commissioner moved to set the millage at 18.284, set the 2025 host percentage at 50.29%, and adopt the resolution as presented; another commissioner seconded the motion. The chair called for a voice vote; members responded “aye,” and the chair announced the motion carried. Because the board adopted the rollback rate, staff said no further public hearings were required and that the tax commissioner’s office would file the adopted millage with the state to finalize the year’s process.

Officials noted how the host penny (a one‑percent local sales‑tax credit) is being returned to taxpayers: the county recommended giving 100% of host collections back as credits and used 50.29% as the host percentage in the resolution to calculate the county’s share of maintenance and operations. Board members encouraged residents to “shop in Rockdale” to keep local sales tax revenue in the county.

The board adjourned after brief closing remarks and thanks to the finance and public relations teams for preparing the materials.