Acworth, Georgia Development News

Ackworth Maintains 2026 Millage Rate at 8.95 Mils, Clarifies Tax Notices Amidst Public Concern

The city of Ackworth held a public hearing to consider adopting the 2026 millage rate, proposing to maintain the current rate of 8.95 mils, which is the same as in 2025. This decision was presented as beneficial to taxpayers, especially those with a homestead exemption, as their city taxes will not increase due to the millage rate remaining unchanged. The presentation clarified that an advertised notice of a potential tax increase is a legal requirement when total tax collections exceed the prior year, often due to new growth, property resales, or reassessments of commercial and non-homesteaded residential properties. The city highlighted its floating homestead exemption, which caps the taxable value for homeowners, and contrasted it with a fixed exemption of $10,000 for schools. Additional exemptions for seniors over 62 were also detailed. The city council decided not to opt into House Bill 581, choosing instead to maintain its existing homestead exemption policy, which was deemed more advantageous for residents than a potential statewide inflation-based increase. Public comments raised concerns about the confusing nature of tax notices, the accuracy of property assessments, and the process for appealing valuations. There was also discussion regarding the city's communication methods and the potential impact of new developments on stormwater management.