Athens City Council on Monday voted to place a 0.2 percentage-point increase in the city income tax on the May 5, 2026 primary ballot. The ordinance (1-37-25) and a companion resolution (06-25) directing the Board of Elections to conduct the election were approved after third-reading procedures.

The measure would raise the city income tax by 0.2% per year beginning Jan. 1, 2027, and council members emphasized that passing the ordinance only puts the question before voters, not into law. “This places it upon the ballot,” Member Reisner said, adding that the public will decide whether to adopt the increase.

The mayor provided a ballpark estimate for council, saying the change could generate about $1.8 million annually but pledged to supply a more precise figure from the auditor. Council members said that number will be important for public outreach and that campaigning for or against the measure will occur after the council’s procedural vote.

The council adopted the ordinance and resolution by voice vote. The resolution formalizes the timing, directing the board to place the question on the May 2026 primary election.

If voters approve the question, the increase would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027; if they reject it, current tax rates remain in place. The council did not vote on any tax-rate implementation language beyond placing the issue on the ballot.