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Candidate and residents urge Johns Creek to avoid a millage increase
Summary
Several residents and a candidate for council urged the city to avoid raising the millage rate, saying higher property taxes would hurt seniors, young families and renters. Speakers included candidate Tyler Chenault and multiple longtime residents.
Multiple residents used the public-comment portion of the hearing to urge the council not to raise the millage rate, citing fixed incomes, rising cost pressures and housing affordability concerns.
Tyler Chenault, a candidate for Johns Creek City Council, said he objected to any increase and appealed to the council to find alternatives to raising taxes. "That's why I'm here to respectfully oppose the proposed millage rate increase," Chenault said, adding that seniors on fixed incomes and young families would be harmed. Other speakers echoed that concern: Victoria Lambert, a retired nurse, said avoiding an increase would be "beneficial for people who are, on every kind of income, not only retiree," and urged the council to spare residents on fixed incomes.
Not all public comment opposed revenue increases. Bob Stevens, a longtime resident, said he appreciates the services provided and supports measures the council deems necessary to maintain the city's standards. "I personally... think that any consideration of a millage rate increase is probably the last step that is considered," Stevens said, acknowledging costs have risen for materials and services.
The public comment record shows both concern about immediate tax burdens and support for keeping service levels; council members signaled they would review those concerns as they consider the budget and any formal motion.
