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Newton County board posts tentative 2026 millage; county says rate unchanged but property bills will rise
Summary
The Newton County Board of Commissioners tentatively adopted an 8.56 millage for 2026; county staff said the millage equals last year's rate but higher taxable values (net digest) will raise property bills by about 2.16%. Public hearings are scheduled July 28 and Aug. 4.
The Newton County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on the proposed 2026 millage rate and read the required legal notice announcing a tentative adoption of an 8.56 millage. Dana Darby, filling in for the finance director, stated: "This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 8.56 mills, an increase of 0.181 mills."
Darby said the county expects a 2.16% increase to property tax bills driven by growth in the county's net digest even though the millage rate itself will remain the same as last year. She provided tax-impact examples used in the notice: "The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $350,000 is approximately $2,462," and a non-homestead property with a fair market value of $300,000 would see an increase of about $2,001.72.
The notice lists additional hearings at the Newton County Historic Courthouse, 1124 Clark Street in Covington, for 07/28/2026 (11 a.m. and 6 p.m.) and 08/04/2026 (6:30 p.m.). Chair Leanne Long explained that the county must publish the notice to comply with state law and that staff began preparing the budget in January; she said the budget was approved June 16.
The hearing record shows no formal vote on the millage during this meeting. Chair Long closed the public hearing and the board adjourned after a motion to adjourn was made and approved by voice vote; the transcript does not record individual vote tallies or a mover/second for the adjournment motion.
