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Doraville council urges state to pause property‑tax assessment change, cites $1 million revenue risk
Summary
Doraville’s council voted March 18 to approve a resolution opposing a state bill (referred to at the meeting as HB1116) that officials say could cut roughly $1 million from the city’s revenue beginning in 2027; council members argued the loss would jeopardize services and limit local options for replacement revenue.
Doraville’s City Council voted unanimously on March 18 to approve a resolution opposing a pending state measure described in the meeting packet as HB1116, which council members said would change property‑tax assessment rules and reduce municipal revenue.
Mayor Gman briefed the council that preliminary estimates showed the proposed change could reduce Doraville’s revenue by about $1 million starting in 2027. “We would need to figure out a way to close the gap — either reducing services or finding other revenue sources,” the mayor said. The packet included a draft resolution for the council to go on record opposing the bill and asking the legislature to consider local impacts.
Council members agreed the potential shortfall posed real operational risks. Council Member Henshaw said the loss would amount to roughly a 5% cut to the city budget and noted staff work to keep the budget lean. “That would be about a 5% reduction in our budget,” Henshaw said, warning there may be no obvious line items to eliminate without reducing services. Council Member Evans said the change could erode the city’s ability to fund police and infrastructure; Council Member Ray said the bill would limit Doraville’s ability to replace revenue because a floating local option sales tax would require countywide agreement.
After discussion, a council member moved to approve the resolution opposing HB1116; the motion was seconded and the council voted to approve the resolution. Staff said the signed resolution will be forwarded to state legislators.
Next steps: the city clerk will forward the approved resolution to the Legislature and the mayor indicated the city will continue outreach through municipal associations to oppose the measure.
