Roswell City Council Considers 56% Millage Rate Increase Amidst Resident Opposition
The City of Roswell, Georgia, is currently debating a proposed 56% increase in its millage rate, which would elevate the average city property tax bill to approximately $1,700. This marks the first proposed tax increase in Roswell in about a decade. City leaders assert that the substantial increase is essential to cover daily operational services and to fulfill repayment obligations for a bond program that voters approved four years prior. During a recent City Council meeting, numerous residents voiced strong opposition to the proposal, expressing concerns that such a significant hike would disproportionately burden the city's low-income and elderly populations. Roswell Finance Director Adam Novotney provided an example, stating that a homeowner with a property valued at $575,000 (assessed at $230,000) would pay around $1,778 under the new rate. Residents also questioned whether the city had thoroughly explored alternative financial solutions or spending reductions before proposing the tax increase.
