Property Taxes

Dekalb County CEO Burrell Ellis unveiled a $563.3 million proposed 2011 tax funds budget on December 15th that if approved will raise Dekalb’s millage rate from 16.86 to 19.18.  CEO Ellis argued that Dekalb County has not raised taxes  since 2006 and the tax hike is necessary because of the $12.8 million drop in revenue in 2011.  The other county commissioners, who have the final say on the budget, are reluctant to approve any hike in taxes until they see the government reorganized.  Last year, the CEO proposed a tax increase and the commission overwhelmingly rejected it.  The budget must be adopted by March 1st under Georgia law.  The Council will continue to monitor this situation and let you know more as it develops.