Fayette County reviews FY2024 finances and weighs millage shift as state tax rules change
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Summary
At a May 9 retreat the Fayette County Board received FY2024 financials showing a $19.9M operating balance and staff outlined how HB 581 and HB 92 will alter assessment notices and homestead exemptions; staff proposed lowering the Fire millage and doubling EMS millage to fund two new EMS units and six officers.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — Fayette County officials met May 9 for a retreat that combined a detailed FY2024 financial review with early decisions about how new state laws will affect property-tax notices and county millage rates.
Chief Financial Officer Sheryl Weinmann told the Board FY2024 closed with a $19.9 million General Operating Fund balance allocated across stabilization, emergency, capital improvement and unassigned reserves. Weinmann said revenues are projected to be about $1.8 million below budget in FY2025, driven in part by property-tax appeals and softer categories such as licenses, permits and charges for service.
Board members and staff focused substantial attention on two recent state laws. Assessor Lee Ann Bartlett explained provisions in HB 581 — a floating homestead exemption that begins indexing in 2026 — and HB 92, which changes how assessment notices and appeal windows are presented. Bartlett warned the assessment notice is a State Department of Revenue form that the County cannot modify and told residents they must appeal assessed values quickly because “we cannot” alter the tax bill once it is mailed.
Weinmann presented a staff proposal to reallocate millage rates: reduce the Fire millage from 3.070 to 2.820 mills (an estimated negative impact of $1,164,495 to the Fire fund) and increase the EMS millage from 0.500 to 1.000 mills (an estimated $3,230,000 gain). County Administrator Steve Rapson said the change would support adding six EMS officers and standing up two additional EMS units; he said the proposal would be reflected in the upcoming budget hearings.
The presentation also covered proposed fee changes: State Court violation fee increases that staff estimate would yield about $100,000 annually, and an EMS-billing schedule adjustment estimated to add roughly $116,000 beginning July 1, 2025. Weinmann said staff will include these fee updates in the FY2026 budget.
Votes at a glance - Acceptance of the retreat agenda: Vice Chairman Edward Gibbons moved, Commissioner Charles Oddo seconded; motion passed 4-0 (Commissioner Maxwell absent). - Adjournment: Commissioner Charles Oddo moved, Vice Chairman Edward Gibbons seconded; motion passed 3-0 (Commissioners Maxwell and Rousseau absent).
Why it matters: HB 581’s floating homestead and HB 92’s notice changes could push local governments to change millage structures to maintain current revenue streams; Fayette County staff are proposing a targeted millage realignment and fee increases to protect public safety and court operations without increasing the countywide M&O millage. The Board will consider these changes again during the formal budget process.
Next steps: The budget and proposed millage adjustments will be included in the FY2026 budget hearings for formal consideration and public comment.