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Residents voice concern, confusion at Hiram public hearing on proposed 2026 millage rate
Summary
At a July work session, Hiram residents urged the council to consider timing and clarity before adopting a proposed 2026 millage rate; staff has posted explanatory materials and scheduled one‑on‑one appointments to help residents understand exemptions and payment timing.
Audrey Hembree, a Hiram resident, told the council at a July work session that she is not taking a formal position on the proposed 2026 millage rate but urged elected officials to consider the time constraints facing residents who will be required to pay by year end. "I'm not gonna say I'm for or against it, but I totally understand the reasons why," she said, and thanked staff for recent explanatory materials that she said have "cleared up a lot of rumors."
Hembree read aloud a social‑media comment that claimed the city "provided quality service to our citizens for over 0.5 a century with 0 financial contribution from our citizens," and disputed that characterization: "I can assure you with every dollar I spend, that's the reason there's money in the bank for this council, for this city, for the county, for the state." She also thanked the council for a homestead exemption for seniors and asked them to consider the burden of timing on households expected to pay before year end.
An attendee who identified himself as a new resident said the city's online materials (including posted comparisons of SPLOST and LOST) were helpful but left some unanswered questions, and suggested the council consider whether the tax should be temporary — for example one or two years — while the city pursues revenue growth through tourism and business recruitment. He also offered volunteer help with the city's website and communications: "I would like to volunteer to help out whoever is putting together your information for your website and other stuff," he said.
Council and staff told attendees that additional materials are available in the lobby and online. Council member and staff said a yellow card in the lobby contains a QR code linking to a "property tax information center," and an online booking link has been set up so residents can schedule one‑on‑one meetings at varied times, including before 8 a.m., during lunch and after 5 p.m. The city closed the hearing after the public comments and will hold a second hearing at the council's August regular session.
