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Officials explain rollback rate and floating homestead exemption amid resident confusion
Summary
Residents asked whether the advertised millage meant higher taxes; staff clarified that the 'rollback' is a state-calculated, revenue-neutral rate for the digest and that Fulton County's floating homestead exemption (CPI-or-3% cap) helps limit large spikes for individual homeowners.
Several residents expressed confusion about advertised percentages; staff and councilwalked through the mechanics during public comment.
Assistant City Manager Kaye clarified the distinction between digest growth and the advertised tax change: "The 5.25 is the growth in the digest, the total growth of the value of all properties from last year to this year. The actual tax increase that was advertised is 4.41%." She and the mayor explained that the rollback rate is calculated under Georgia law to make the tax burden revenue-neutral across existing assessments, not a guaranteed cut for every property owner.
Council members reiterated that because some properties are reassessed and others are not, a single advertised rate can mean different outcomes for individual homeowners. Kaye also summarized Fulton County's floating homestead exemption, which applies an exemption limit tied to CPI or 3% (whichever is higher) and can reduce the impact of reassessments for qualifying homeowners.
Staff advised residents to check notices of assessment and homestead status (which can change after refinancing) and to use the July 28 adoption hearing to raise concerns or ask for clarifications.
