Tentative Tax Rates Adopted By Decatur, Avondale Estates

DECATUR, GA — Decatur and Avondale Estates residents will have multiple chances in June to provide their input on the cities' newly-adopted tentative millage rates.

Millage rates represent the amount per every $1,000 of a property's assessed value — essentially, millage rates are the tax rates used to calculate local property taxes, according to the Georgia Department of Revenue. Funds collected from property taxes are used for general city operations, capital projects (such as road and infrastructure improvements), downtown development authority operations and debt service.

The city of Decatur adopted a tentative millage rate of 13.92 mills for fiscal year 2021-22, which is the same rate as the current fiscal year. The final millage rate will be set at the Decatur City Commission meeting June 21, with virtual public hearings set for the following dates:

• Monday, June 14 at 6 p.m.
  • Register here or dial (929) 205-6099 (Meeting ID: 924 8909 6956)
• Monday, June 21 at 3:30 p.m.
  • Register here or dial (929) 205-6099 (Meeting ID: 996 7092 7089)
• Monday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Register here or dial (929) 205-6099 (Meeting ID: 961 5843 5712)

The virtual public hearings can also be viewed on the city's website.

Meanwhile, the city of Avondale Estates adopted a tentative millage rate of 9.8 mills — an increase of 0.202 mills from the current fiscal year — which means property taxes would increase by 2.1 percent. In-person public hearings will be held at Avondale Estates City Hall, located at 21 N. Avondale Plaza, on the following dates:

• Wednesday, June 16 at noon
• Wednesday, June 23 at 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 30 at 6 p.m.

The city of Avondale Estate's general fund costs have increased by an average of 2.18 percent over the last three years, according to a city news release, so an increase in property taxes is "likely necessary to maintain the same level of service."

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