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Whitfield County holds public hearing on 2025 millage rate; ballot measure would raise senior homestead exemption
Summary
At an Oct. 31 special meeting the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners opened a public hearing on the 2025 millage rate, approved the agenda 3-0, heard residents warn higher taxes could make home repairs unaffordable, and noted a Nov. 4 ballot measure to raise the homestead exemption for homeowners 70+ from $250,000 to $325,000.
The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners opened a public hearing on the county2025 millage rate at a special called meeting on Oct. 31 in Dalton. Chairman Jevin Jensen said the countymillage rate has fallen about 58% since 2016, and that the tentative rate set in November 2024 was 5.50 mills while the final 2024 rate set in July 2025 was 4.35 mills. Jensen also said total property-tax revenue collected has decreased roughly 18% since 2016.
Several residents addressed the board during the public comment portion. "Many people will not be able to afford to maintain their homes and make needed repairs if taxes go up," several residents told the commissioners, urging caution before any increase.
Before the hearing, Commissioner Greg Jones moved to approve the meeting agenda; Commissioner Robby Staten seconded. The motion carried 3-0, with Commissioners Jones, Staten and John Thomas voting in favor; Vice Chairman Barry W. Robbins was recorded absent.
Jensen told the audience that commissioners had placed a measure on the Nov. 4 election ballot to raise the county homestead exemption for homeowners aged 70 and older from $250,000 to $325,000. Two additional public hearings on the millage rate were scheduled for Friday, Nov. 7, at noon and 6 p.m.
The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent. Minutes were signed by Chairman Jevin Jensen and Blanca Cardona, county clerk.
