2025-08-11 · City Council · Transcript · Millage Rate Public Hearing

--- title: Millage Rate Public Hearing date: 2025-08-11 source: 2025-08-11_Millage_Rate_Public_Hearing.wav --- [0:01:35, 0:01:38]: Yeah. [0:01:39, 0:01:41]: Good that's [0:01:42, 0:01:59]: Alright ladies and gentlemen, uh let me put the mic on. Alright, ladies and gentlemen. Uh what we'll do we get our second um millage rate public hearing uh started. And now have 6 30. It is a Monday, August 11th. Please uh [0:01:59, 0:02:03]: Excuse me, I'll call the meeting order. Please stand for the invocation, if you can. Ms. Gantt. [0:02:05, 0:02:07]: May we bow our heads in prayer. [0:02:08, 0:02:11]: Lord, we pray for unity and peace in our community. [0:02:11, 0:02:16]: Help us to see each other as brothers and sisters and to work together for the common good. [0:02:17, 0:02:37]: We pray for healing and restoration in our community for those who are sick, hurting, and struggling. May they find comfort and strength in your love and grace. Heavenly Father, we also pray for provision and protection for our community, that we that you would meet the needs of all of your people and keep them safe. [0:02:37, 0:02:38]: From harm. [0:02:38, 0:02:46]: We pray for our leaders that they would be filled with wisdom and discernment as they make decisions that affect our community. [0:02:46, 0:02:50]: Guide them to lead with integrity and with compassion. [0:02:50, 0:03:10]: In these things we pray our to our Lord and Savior. Amen. Amen. Okay. For the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. In the truth of your father, I want you to stand one nation under God in divisible of liberty and justice for all. [0:03:11, 0:03:13]: Madam Clerk, Rocall, please. [0:03:20, 0:03:22]: Present. Mayor Pro Tem Ganttz. [0:03:24, 0:03:26]: Present. Sorry. [0:03:30, 0:03:31]: Member Berry. [0:03:34, 0:03:35]: Various kind of thing. [0:03:36, 0:03:40]: Present. Councilmember Alex and Present. Mayor Ford and Count. [0:03:40, 0:03:41]: Thank you, Madam Clerk. Appreciate that. [0:03:42, 0:03:45]: Um council, I need a motion to adopt the agenda, please. [0:03:45, 0:03:51]: So move. Oh is there a second? A second. Okay, from uh Mr. Alexander to Miss Barber. [0:03:51, 0:03:52]: Yeah. [0:03:52, 0:04:08]: I s she had her hand up. Okay. She had her hand up. Okay. All in favor, please indicate. Okay. It's unanimous decision. On that note, a public hearing, uh 2025 Millage Rate, presented by Ms. Ms. Mulazzi, sir. [0:04:08, 0:04:11]: Ms. Mulazi, ladies and gentlemen, is our our treasurer. [0:04:18, 0:04:20]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. Uh good evening, sir. [0:04:21, 0:04:25]: Uh, this is our second public hearing for marriage rate. [0:04:27, 0:04:33]: And after this we'll have one and the final one on the eighteenth at ten AM. [0:04:35, 0:04:55]: Tax rate is the amount of tax billed based on the fair market value of property using the marriage rate. And the marriage rate is set annually by the governing board. Also, in this uh area you have the school districts that they also have the authority. [0:04:55, 0:05:00]: So they have also to set the mirrorage rate. [0:05:01, 0:05:05]: And the marriage rate is based on the assessed values. [0:05:07, 0:05:09]: Rollback is the [0:05:12, 0:05:21]: Rawback is the the it's required that every year you have m marriage rate, you have to bring back the cost [0:05:22, 0:05:24]: or the rate of the marriage [0:05:25, 0:05:27]: To make sure that you levy [0:05:27, 0:05:29]: The same amount of money [0:05:29, 0:05:32]: You left the previous year. [0:05:32, 0:05:52]: Thinking that the values of properties will be the same. However, that does not happen in many areas or in many circumstances for these two main reasons. One, the values of properties they go up annually, and the other [0:05:52, 0:06:01]: One is the increase of properties within the community or within the city that brings up the value. [0:06:02, 0:06:22]: values of the properties to go up. So if you apply the same marriage rate, that means you levy more. Therefore you are required to roll back. If you levy the same, that means there may be an increase which is in our case [0:06:22, 0:06:25]: There's no rollback. [0:06:27, 0:06:47]: So the values of our tax digest have gone up from twenty twenty-four to twenty twenty-five now. In twenty twenty-four the values of marriage re the um tax digest were up to um one point nine four [0:06:47, 0:06:55]: And this year twenty twenty five it has gone up to two point one billion dollars. [0:06:58, 0:07:18]: Which is an increase of five point six percent for those reasons that I've said some because of the new property that have been uh built within the city, or so the values of the properties have gone up. You not see the values unless maybe [0:07:18, 0:07:24]: your home is to be sold. When you sell your if you were to sell your home last year, [0:07:25, 0:07:38]: and sell the home this year, you were going to pay to receive more money in this year compared to what you would have received last year, an indication of values going up. [0:07:41, 0:08:01]: With the recommended marriage rate to stay as it is three point seven seven that has been levied since the introduction of levy in the seat of Stockbridge, which was twenty twenty-three three point seven seven, twenty twenty-four three point seven seven, and now it's recommended again. [0:08:01, 0:08:21]: going to leave it there at 3.77. And that is bringing up, even though the marriage rate is the same, but with that raw back not being implemented, it's termed as tax increase. But there's no tax increase in a real sense. [0:08:21, 0:08:25]: three point seven seven for three executive years. [0:08:26, 0:08:46]: And also remember that the city implemented last year the Homestead exemption that has been implemented in 2025. So for those that took advantage of Homestead exemption, they will see big reduction of their taxes. [0:08:46, 0:09:06]: Those that have not, they are encouraged to apply when the new session starts. That will be January 1, 2026 through 1st of April 2026. You see the benefit of applying a homestead exemption, homestead exemption. [0:09:06, 0:09:26]: And to those that have already applied they will have the benefits. And those ones that have not, please do so. Every homeowner of the city is eligible. Everyone. If you have a home in the city of Stockbridge, you are eligible to receive a homestead exemption. [0:09:26, 0:09:45]: Basic, which is the 10,000. If you are a homeowner, regardless of your age, you receive 10,000. And if you are 65 years and above, you receive additional 15,000. If you have [0:09:46, 0:10:06]: septic tank on your property, you receive fifteen thousand, but you cannot receive both fifteen thousand for age and fifteen thousand for uh septic tank. You can get only one fifteen thousand plus the basic ten for a total of twenty five thousand. [0:10:14, 0:10:18]: Why do we want the marriage rate to remain where it is? [0:10:20, 0:10:21]: Why? [0:10:22, 0:10:28]: Are we asking or recommending to have the same marriage rate of three point seven seven to remain? [0:10:28, 0:10:48]: Because the city wants to continue to providing the same services that the citizens have been enjoying in last year, and that includes the provision of public works services, police department services. [0:10:48, 0:10:51]: and various improvement [0:10:52, 0:11:00]: That's to include roads, construction, maintenance throughout the city. Those services. [0:11:01, 0:11:03]: Our governing body wants them to continue. [0:11:04, 0:11:06]: Плас економік девопмент проєкте. [0:11:07, 0:11:27]: That will attract new business owners, including potential business owners that they want to relocate to our city. So that maintenance of 3.77 will help to retain those services provided to you. [0:11:27, 0:11:28]: citizens. [0:11:31, 0:11:37]: Here's a calculation of two examples that have been given [0:11:37, 0:11:39]: Just in case you have uh [0:11:39, 0:11:44]: A home of hundred thousand, two hundred thousand, three hundred thousand, [0:11:44, 0:11:47]: and so on and so forth, the calculation is the same. [0:11:48, 0:11:51]: Let's say you have a home of a hundred thousand. [0:11:51, 0:11:57]: Calculation of marriage rate is based on the market value. [0:11:58, 0:12:14]: of 40% of the market value. So 40% of the 100,000 will give us assessed value of 40,000. That 40,000 assessed value, if you remove the basic homestead exemption, [0:12:15, 0:12:30]: Everything on the left hand side does not include homestead exemption reduction. Everything that is on the right side it does include homestead exemption and is in red. [0:12:31, 0:12:51]: So if there's no homestead exemption, that forty thousand we multiply it by uh three point seven seven, which is our marriage rate, and it brings us to a hundred and fifty dollars and eighty cents, that will be your annual taxes for the year. If you want to [0:12:51, 0:12:54]: To pay monthly, divide that by twelve. [0:12:54, 0:13:12]: And on the right hand side, the very same property of hundred thousand, market value of forty, assessed value will be forty thousand. That assessed value of forty remove ten thousand, that is the basic homestead exemption. [0:13:12, 0:13:15]: You remain with thirty thousand. [0:13:15, 0:13:35]: That thirty thousand will be your taxable value di timus three point seven seven mils and it makes brings to hundred and thirteen dollars and ten cents. That's what you pay per year. If you had applied and you had [0:13:35, 0:13:36]: A basic [0:13:36, 0:13:39]: Homestead exemption of ten thousand. [0:13:39, 0:13:42]: So if you didn't apply you pay hundred and fifty [0:13:42, 0:13:48]: and eighty, if you applied the bas one you get hundred and thirteen [0:13:48, 0:13:49]: And ten cents. [0:13:53, 0:13:59]: The second example will be if you got both the basic, which is ten thousand. [0:13:59, 0:14:01]: Plus either it was [0:14:03, 0:14:10]: Septic tank or UR sixty-five and above. On the left side, it remains the same. [0:14:11, 0:14:12]: Uh but on the [0:14:12, 0:14:14]: Right hand side. [0:14:14, 0:14:34]: The same value of hundred thousand, market value times forty, it gives you forty thousand, and that forty thousand minus total homestead exemption of twenty-five thousand, you remain with fifteen thousand. Fifteen thousand times three point seven. [0:14:34, 0:14:54]: You get$56.55 for the annual taxes. You see if you didn't apply, you will pay$150. If you applied and you qualified both of those ones, you pay$56 and there is a saving of 94. [0:14:54, 0:15:01]: those advantages of your homestead exemption. You just have to claim it by applying. [0:15:04, 0:15:06]: I have also added the [0:15:08, 0:15:13]: different amount of home, say it's three hundred thousand home. [0:15:13, 0:15:16]: Uh the calculation will be the same on the left hand side. [0:15:17, 0:15:20]: Uh that's three hundred times forty. [0:15:21, 0:15:23]: percent you get hundred and twenty [0:15:24, 0:15:27]: thousand, hundred and twenty thousand becomes taxable value. [0:15:28, 0:15:31]: That one taxable value times the three point [0:15:31, 0:15:33]: Seven seven. [0:15:33, 0:15:41]: You get four hundred and fifty-two dollars and forty cents out of your three hundred thousand home. [0:15:42, 0:15:47]: And if you did the basic homestead exemption on the left hand side. [0:15:48, 0:15:55]: Uh forty times the three hundred still hundred and twenty, minus ten, you get hundred and ten. [0:15:55, 0:16:00]: Hundred and ten thousand times three point seven seven. [0:16:01, 0:16:04]: You get four hundred and fourteen seventy. [0:16:04, 0:16:05]: But yeah. [0:16:06, 0:16:12]: And you still have that difference of thirty seven dollars and seventy cents. [0:16:13, 0:16:17]: compared it to the one that he did not apply. [0:16:17, 0:16:19]: And the last example [0:16:20, 0:16:28]: will be on the same home of three hundred thousand on the left hand side it will be still the same amount [0:16:28, 0:16:32]: Of four hundred and fifty two and forty cents. [0:16:33, 0:16:37]: On the right hand side, three hundred thousand times four. [0:16:37, 0:16:46]: Forty, it's hundred and twenty, hundred and twenty minus twenty-five thousand, you remain with ninety-five thousand. [0:16:46, 0:16:52]: ninety five thousand times three point seven seven you get three hundred and fifty eight [0:16:52, 0:16:54]: And fifteen cents. [0:16:54, 0:17:03]: versus four hundred and fifty two forty cents. You save ninety-four dollars and twenty-five cents a year. [0:17:05, 0:17:08]: The next one is the tax digest. [0:17:10, 0:17:18]: Tax digest is the a comparison of sources of taxes. So you have real. [0:17:20, 0:17:32]: Or personal property you have uh motor vehicle as you know that we have to pay or levy taxes on the motor vehicles that we have. Then you have mobile homes [0:17:32, 0:17:37]: А then we have timber, heavy duty equipment. [0:17:38, 0:17:40]: That will bring us to gross [0:17:42, 0:17:43]: Digest. [0:17:43, 0:17:51]: And that digest is the one that for the past three years, in twenty twenty three it was one point eight billion. [0:17:52, 0:17:54]: In twenty twenty [0:17:54, 0:18:12]: for it was one point nine billion. And in this year 2025, our gross gross before we remove ev anything, it's two point one billion for the very same reasons that we talked about that [0:18:12, 0:18:28]: In these properties we talked about, there have been some additions, be it we have more vehicles, we have more property uh personal uh or real estate, uh those ones will bring up to the gross. Then from the gross we have to remove [0:18:29, 0:18:32]: uh reductions. We have to make some reductions. [0:18:33, 0:18:38]: And those reductions, the bigger one will be the very same homestead exemptions. [0:18:39, 0:18:59]: Last year or year before we had homestead exemptions but they were very minor compared to this year. Uh some of those ones that you don't levy taxes, I'll give example would be churches. We have churches throughout the city, you don't levy taxes on that. [0:18:59, 0:19:19]: But this year the council gave everyone who has home in the city to have homestead exemption. So our homestead exemptions have grown from 44,000 last year to 119,000. It's a lot. [0:19:19, 0:19:25]: loss of revenues but again it's a relief of paying taxes to the citizen. [0:19:27, 0:19:36]: And with that uh you find out that um twenty twenty three three point seven [0:19:36, 0:19:43]: Mills twenty twenty four, three point seven miles and twenty twenty five, still the same. [0:19:44, 0:20:03]: Uh in twenty twenty three we levied six point eight million, twenty twenty four seven point uh one million and in seven uh twenty twenty five we're expecting to receive seven point three million. [0:20:03, 0:20:13]: It does not mean we are going to receive everything. That's a projection because some of the taxes will not be paid for several reasons. [0:20:17, 0:20:24]: Uh then we have uh so we can say clearly say that the only increase in taxes [0:20:25, 0:20:28]: Removing everything is a hundred and thirty one thousand. [0:20:29, 0:20:41]: Uh out of that hundred and thirty-one thousand, remove the hundred and nineteen thousand that has gone for homestead exemption. So real taxes in twenty twenty-three. [0:20:41, 0:20:43]: Increase was a hundred percent. [0:20:44, 0:20:49]: The reason is that it was the start, it was an initial year, so it was [0:20:49, 0:20:53]: hundred percent tax because it had never been there before. [0:20:53, 0:20:59]: And the twenty twenty four last year increase was uh four point four percent. [0:21:00, 0:21:01]: And in this year. [0:21:02, 0:21:03]: That we are requesting [0:21:04, 0:21:06]: To retain the males [0:21:06, 0:21:13]: On three point seven seven the increase is only one point eight three percent. [0:21:14, 0:21:19]: With that, if I have any comment questions from the governing body [0:21:19, 0:21:20]: This is the time. [0:21:20, 0:21:31]: Thank you, Frank, for your presentation. Uh ladies and gentlemen, I want to listen to let you know that the Henry Cannon Task Commission, Mr. Michael Harris, is also present here tonight as well. And on that note, uh Council. [0:21:32, 0:21:33]: Questions. [0:21:33, 0:21:53]: Go ahead, Mr. I don't have a question, just a comment. Um I think that uh we had a hearing earlier this morning and um it was pretty much the consensus of council that our millage rate is gonna stay the same, therefore we are not increasing taxes. Our millage rate will remain three point seven seven. It's been that way since twenty twenty three. [0:21:53, 0:22:13]: Um in 2022 we did not have any property taxes. So we are keeping it at, as far as I I know, I think the majority of us have already spoken out that we are going to remain at 3.77. And in fact, our taxes, if you live in the city limits, are cheaper than the [0:22:13, 0:22:33]: those if who live in unincorporated Henry. Um and so nothing's going to change with that. Um if your property tax is increase at all, it's due to your value of your property. It's not anything that mayor and counselor are doing on our end. We're keeping our millage the same. And so [0:22:33, 0:22:34]: So um [0:22:34, 0:22:36]: That's something that [0:22:36, 0:22:40]: I just really wanted to point out in in regards to the tax digest [0:22:41, 0:23:00]: um for real and personal property, you'll see that there's an increase each year, but that is based off of new properties and properties more development coming in, more townhomes, more single family dwellings, and the and that's the way it's listed there in regards to that. You'll see that, but [0:23:00, 0:23:20]: Other than that, our millage stays the same. And we have a rollback due to police services. And so I think that's a good thing. Um we are we've been really steadfast on that. I believe that Marin Cow, it is in my position that we've been taxed to death. And I believe that my colleagues believe that as well. Um and so [0:23:20, 0:23:23]: Just letting you know we're not voting for an increase. [0:23:24, 0:23:34]: On that note, the uh third hearing, after tonight, third hearing would be ten o'clock on the eighteenth of August and after at the end of that meeting, we'll make an official uh vote on this aspect as well. [0:23:34, 0:23:37]: Mm. One second. Go ahead, Ms. Barber. [0:23:37, 0:23:54]: Mr. Malazi, can you also um provide that breakdown of the total number of applicants for each of the categories, septic systems, sixty-five years and older, and just a general exemption? So [0:23:56, 0:24:00]: Total applicants for the twenty twenty [0:24:01, 0:24:12]: five homestead exemptions that we closed on the first of April, we had the 1,729 applicants. [0:24:14, 0:24:34]: Almost everyone that applied so far, there's no one that was disqualified. As I said that there were three groups or three categories. Everyone you have home, you are homeowner, you qualify the basic of ten thousand. Just being a homeowner in the city, you qualify. [0:24:34, 0:24:52]: qualify that 10,000. The second one is you have to be 65 or you have a s you have to have a septic tank. So far we had 770, those that applied that they have septic tank in the city. [0:24:53, 0:24:55]: And the we will [0:24:55, 0:25:15]: continue to providing some information that will be needed. We'll give who how many of those ones are 65? Things like those ones. But so far it's 1729 that applied and none was rejected. If there will be anything we [0:25:15, 0:25:28]: see when tax bills are out, but so far when we work with the tax assessor and the our tax commissioner, we are everyone that applied so far, none has been rejected. [0:25:30, 0:25:30]: Go right, please. [0:25:31, 0:25:37]: If you would, Mr. Melazie, please reiterate to the community the timeline of when. [0:25:38, 0:25:46]: All homeowners can submit applications for their homestead exemption because I want them to take advantage of this. This is a discount. [0:25:46, 0:25:48]: If you are a homeowner. [0:25:49, 0:25:55]: you already qualify for one of the homestead exemptions. All you gotta do is submit your application. [0:25:55, 0:26:15]: The second one with the sixty five years and older, and then the third one with the septic system. You have to have a septic tank on your property, you have ten thousand. You have to be sixty-five years or older, you have fifteen thousand, or you have to be a homeowner, that is ten thousand. [0:26:15, 0:26:35]: But you cannot have both septic tank and 65 and above. You can get only 115,000. So we will this year will be much much area to publicize. It will be posted on our website. We'll send fryers. [0:26:35, 0:26:55]: You unfortunately you have a lot of people from uncorporated area that are using our uh zip code of three zero two eight one that are calling in because either they have septic tank or they are older than sixty uh five. The fact that you are using that [0:26:55, 0:27:01]: address if you do not pay taxes to the city of Stockbridge, you don't qualify. [0:27:02, 0:27:20]: And we make sure you call in we'll tell you exactly where you are. If you are in an incorporated area will tell you uh you don't qualify because you do not pay taxes to city of Stockbridge. You don't pay taxes to any city besides the county. [0:27:21, 0:27:41]: So for those that are homeowners, please take advantage of that. And most of them they will call in. I was out, or my my parents, this and that. Time frame of application is January 1 through September, uh, April 1. On Fool's Day, don't forget Fool's Day. [0:27:40, 0:27:46]: day is the closing of the homestead exemption. So you can't forget that. [0:27:50, 0:27:51]: Mr. Alzheimer, you have some comments, sir? [0:27:51, 0:28:05]: Yeah, thank you so much. I appreciate that. And based on what you just said, I did some uh math calculations here. Uh on based on that four hundred and fourteen dollar uh [0:28:07, 0:28:27]: for the three hundred thousand dollar house at four hundred and fourteen dollars and seventy cents. The total tax increase for the city was a hundred and thirty-one dollars one hundred and thirty one thousand six hundred and four. If you multiply that times the one point three net increase [0:28:27, 0:28:33]: That means basically it's about$7.58 per home. [0:28:34, 0:28:54]: which is a a minimal or negligible um uh increase total. Basically as Ms. Gann has said um and we've all reiterated we're we're planning to vote to leave it at three point seven seven'cause that seems uh the the appropriate thing to do and we have to pay these taxes [0:28:54, 0:29:14]: uh in the city just like each and every one of you uh have to do as well. Uh later on you will hear from the tax commissioner and who will come up and talk to us a little bit because we did that at the first meeting uh as well because we got more people here tonight who need to hear about the potential one cent [0:29:14, 0:29:34]: Sales tax that's going to go on the ballot to uh this in November if all goes well. That particular portion will be used to pay down to zero, hopefully, this uh new city tax that came into preparation. But it's gonna be up to the voters. If you vote yes, then this new city. [0:29:34, 0:29:54]: New tax will be used to eliminate the city tax portion of your bill. If you vote no, we'll go ahead and continue with the same basis that we're doing. And I always like to say this at the meeting that we had earlier, which is we implemented a police department in 2022, and we took four [0:29:54, 0:30:01]: $4 million out of the city savings, so you wouldn't have a uh a property tax in 2022. [0:30:01, 0:30:21]: We ba we gave you your money back. We gave you a refund, like the governor gives you the$250 refund. We gave the entire city four million dollars back in 2022, so you didn't have a property tax. And we were able to not have a property tax in 2022 and implement it in 2023 by giving you back the same. [0:30:21, 0:30:40]: that we had already recouped. But I'll say this again, I'll go to my grave understanding that if we made the right decision to start the police department because your public safety was number one with those 60 plus officers that we have on the street who are doing an amazing job, crime is down in the city. [0:30:40, 0:31:00]: And we're trying to do everything that we can to squeeze every nickel to make sure that these dollars are appropriated. We've made staff changes in order to make sure that every dollar is accounted for. And we believe in our new city manager, Mr. Shantez Edmondson, and the entire team and Mr. Malazi, and that we're on the right course now. Thank you. [0:31:01, 0:31:21]: You think okay, Ms. Blair, go ahead, please. Um again, thank you again, Mr. Malazi, for making this presentation. And I just want to really echo what I stated earlier for the morning's uh hearing at 10 a.m. this morning, is that our biggest uh obligation and responsibility is to make sure that we put the literature out for our citizens. [0:31:21, 0:31:41]: To make sure that they can apply for the uh homestead exemptions, the exemptions within the appropriate time frame, because this is a great uh benefit as well to the taxpayers. Um, right now we only had 1,729 applicants to take advantage of the homestead exemption, and so that doesn't. [0:31:41, 0:31:57]: doesn't really reflect the true population or the census of s of the city of Stockbridge. So we have a little bit more work to do to make sure that we spread that word, spread that message so that others uh can take advantage of this this uh tax option. And um [0:31:58, 0:32:12]: Again, if we can do whatever we need to do moving forward to make sure we put that literature out, put mailers out. Uh that's that's my that's my statement to everyone today, is just make sure we take advantage of everything that's being made available to the taxpayers. [0:32:12, 0:32:16]: Who do that, sir? Thank you. Mr. Edmondson, do you have any comments at this time, sir? [0:32:24, 0:32:44]: Uh, good evening, Mayor and Council and Community. I just want to uh reiterate because I don't think it resonates a lot with the people, uh, what this council is is offering. If you look at the municipalities around us, they having to increase their millage rate uh for several different reasons. But not only are we keeping the millage rate the same, but also offering a [0:32:44, 0:32:46]: Full blown out one hundred percent. [0:32:47, 0:32:49]: uh homestead exemption, which is [0:32:50, 0:33:10]: Rare, I must say, in this day and time. So as we mentioned earlier, we will ensure that every resident is aware of that homestead starting January 1st before January 1st. We're gonna have applications printed out here at City Hall. We're gonna uh have them at different meetings, different gatherings to make sure that everybody takes advantage of that. [0:33:10, 0:33:30]: I believe that is fantastic and people should take advantage of that. Um and as we talked about a little bit earlier, uh we do have the tax commissioner here talking about the flaws. So we are different definitely putting our brains together to try to find different ways to offset all the stuff and the taxes that we have here in the city. So I just want to commend this governing body. [0:33:30, 0:33:50]: In doing that, I know I kind of came in on the back end, but me looking at those numbers and figures, I think that is a bold move. That's a bold statement. But I think the city, uh, these residents deserve anything that we can give them, uh, especially in the direction that we are trying to go. Um, we are growing smart, we are building smart, and I just think that we'll be able to accomplish uh all that. [0:33:49, 0:34:09]: That we set out to do for 2026 by starting on a scroll foundation, and that's by keeping the resonance in mind when it comes to taxes. So I just want to commend the governor body for that. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Mr. Alexander. I'll just have one more brief comment. I want you to in 2023, the staff recommended a four point one two. [0:34:09, 0:34:11]: two five tax rate. [0:34:12, 0:34:32]: We did not select that. We selected a 3.77 tax rate because we knew the first year we were not going to be able to give you the homestead exemption. So in real in reality, you're getting a double homestead exemption because we put the homestead exemption in the 3.77 for the initial because we knew. [0:34:32, 0:34:52]: Knew we needed legislation in order to establish the homestead. So, what we've done on this second iteration is to give you the homestead exemption anyway, even though we selected the lower rate initially at 3.77. So the taxes were on the 3.77 amount was a significantly lower. [0:34:52, 0:35:12]: Lower than the 4.125. So we're giving you the home exemption even with the lower rate after staff after previous staff had recommended a higher initial rate. But we wanted to make sure that we were being uh that we implemented the minimum amount of tax uh up front, and that's what we want to continue to do. [0:35:12, 0:35:13]: Thank you. [0:35:13, 0:35:25]: Okay, before I read the public hearing rules and and allow the sensory to make their comments, I wanna offer the uh the opportunity for Mr. Harris to come forward if you need anything you need to say, sir, as a tax commissioner for Henry County. [0:35:30, 0:35:50]: Good evening again, Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Council members, public. Welcome to Mr. Edmondson. Welcome. Great to have you on board. Um yeah, as I mentioned this morning, I think there's some questions in reference to the splot and to the floss. But prior to get into that, I did want to just kind of reiterate that this year has been quite a bit different than previous years, in that we had some new legislation. [0:35:50, 0:36:10]: That we had to deal with. The residents voted for and it was approved the House Bill 581 that passed last year. And in so doing, what that did was it created an additional ad valorm or tax uh floating homestead exemption based on your valuation. People often ask me, [0:36:10, 0:36:30]: you know, how does that, how will that impact here, folks here in Henry County? So for the county taxes, as well everyone bear in mind that here in Henry County, we're one of 30 handful of counties, some 30 some counties, that offers a frozen provision, which means if you purchase your home in 2000 or 2010 and you applied for and were approved for your homestead. [0:36:30, 0:36:40]: the year you were approved for homestead, your property value was frozen at that level. So rather than what this new House Bill five eighty eighty one provision does [0:36:40, 0:37:00]: It caps the valuation increase of your property year over year. And then it's tied to the CPI, consumer price index, typically somewhere between three and five percent. So even taking that three percent. So I tell myself, well, you know, from a county's perspective, you're either looking at a maximum increase of of that three to five percent, or what we currently have in [0:37:00, 0:37:04]: place which is zero um because of the frozen provision. So [0:37:04, 0:37:05]: Um [0:37:05, 0:37:25]: But in so doing, because the county and all of the municipalities all four of the cities opted in based on the uh residents residence desires, that does make the cities and the county eligible for this um floating optional sales tax, uh flexible optional sales tax. [0:37:25, 0:37:45]: The FLOSS as it's being called, which is structured much in the same way as our current SPLOSS is, which is special project local option sales tax. Um this is a flexible local option sales tax. However, the big caveat here is that it can only be utilized to re as a re all revenues collected have to go towards reducing the [0:37:45, 0:38:05]: county or the municipalities millage rate. So all those funds that are collected has to go be applied towards the reduction of the millage rate, which I think was what um councilman Alcan alluded to. So right now it's my understanding that the county and the cities are in negotiations on what that will look like in the structure of that piece. But had not everyone agreed and [0:38:05, 0:38:12]: Opted in, then that provision of that option would not be on the table. But because everyone did, there is that that option does exist now. [0:38:13, 0:38:32]: The school board that while they did opt out of that provision, um, that was not a requirement based on the legislation. So p a lot of people ask'cause what about the school board? I understand they opted out, they did opt out, but they were not required to opt in in order to be for everyone else to be to remain eligible. So I'm sure if you had any specific questions in reference to the floss or not. [0:38:32, 0:38:34]: I just want to say. [0:38:35, 0:38:55]: As far as things are concerned, let's so everybody keep it in perspective. 60% of the tax digest is the school, correct? That's correct. So the school board opted out, which is the one cent sales tax that would be on the ballot would be used for county and city taxes to reduce those. But people will be like [0:38:55, 0:39:15]: Like, well, my taxes have been going up. The taxes have been going up because it's been tied to the 60% more than anything else. But certainly if you suggested the school board is trying to reduce the M and O, I believe, to try to offset some of that uh uh to uh some of that increase. Yeah, I was I attended their millage hearing this morning and [0:39:15, 0:39:35]: And they are proposing their first reduction since 2007 in their MO from 20 mils where it's been fixed at, where it's been capped at, and they are proposing a nineteen point eight mil rate, which will, again, will have an impact on everyone. The the big, the stark difference between the county tax and/or city taxes in this case is that the [0:39:35, 0:39:55]: Frozen provision while it applies to the county tax portion, which you creates about 36, 37%, it does not apply to the school portion. What they have instead is their age exemption beginning at age 62. Age 62, you have a it's a tiered system they have at age 62, it's your [0:39:55, 0:40:15]: Assessment value is reduced, it's reduced again at age sixty five, again at age sixty eight, and by age seventy, um any resident age seventy or over with an approved homestead no longer pays any um board of education taxes. So again, that's that's their the the the structure of their homestead exemption. Um the structure of the county's homestead exemption piece is the [0:40:14, 0:40:20]: [2420.4, 2422.1]: exemption that you put in place for this year. [0:40:22, 0:40:31]: Yeah, I j I just wanna keep it in perspective'cause see this room always seems a little bit full. And then the other two meetings at the county and the school board, there's nobody in there. [0:40:32, 0:40:33]: So thank you. [0:40:34, 0:40:36]: All right. Oh I'm sorry, go ahead, Ms. Bottom. [0:40:36, 0:40:38]: This is not a question for you. [0:40:38, 0:40:45]: Mr Harris, thank you. You're welcome. Um this is just a comment that I wanted to make. [0:40:46, 0:40:53]: So originally when the council adopted the millage rate, we were given a breakdown of [0:40:53, 0:41:02]: How the 3.77 mils rate would be used. I know that our police department does. [0:41:02, 0:41:05]: consume most of our operating budget. [0:41:06, 0:41:07]: However [0:41:08, 0:41:09]: It does not consume [0:41:09, 0:41:11]: All of the three point seven seven. [0:41:12, 0:41:13]: I want to go on record. [0:41:13, 0:41:14]: Right now. [0:41:15, 0:41:15]: Again. [0:41:16, 0:41:16]: And say. [0:41:17, 0:41:19]: I do not want to use his [0:41:19, 0:41:20]: Any. [0:41:20, 0:41:22]: Of the three point seven seven [0:41:22, 0:41:25]: Millage rate that is collected. [0:41:26, 0:41:27]: The city tax. [0:41:27, 0:41:29]: I do not support using any of it. [0:41:30, 0:41:32]: for the operations of the Sampatheater. [0:41:33, 0:41:39]: It is to be used for all of the other essential services of our city. [0:41:41, 0:41:42]: We have a responsibility. [0:41:43, 0:41:46]: We need to go out and look for sponsors. [0:41:46, 0:41:49]: for the operations of the amphitheater. [0:41:49, 0:41:51]: I wanted to put that on record. [0:41:52, 0:41:53]: I want the citizens to know. [0:41:54, 0:41:55]: This city tax. [0:41:56, 0:41:57]: І зналі [0:41:57, 0:41:59]: To fund our police department. [0:42:00, 0:42:03]: It is to fund other departments of our city public works. [0:42:04, 0:42:10]: and other departments. It should not be used for the amphitheater. [0:42:10, 0:42:11]: Unfortunately [0:42:12, 0:42:13]: I believe that was the case. [0:42:14, 0:42:16]: In the past, last year. [0:42:16, 0:42:17]: And then the year before. [0:42:18, 0:42:19]: I don't wanna see that happen. [0:42:19, 0:42:20]: Again. [0:42:21, 0:42:23]: That's all. I know that your presentation, Mr Malaze, [0:42:24, 0:42:27]: Thank you for it. It's very it's a simplified version. [0:42:28, 0:42:29]: Presentation. [0:42:29, 0:42:31]: For the public to comprehend. [0:42:31, 0:42:32]: And read it. [0:42:32, 0:42:34]: But it doesn't give a breakdown. [0:42:34, 0:42:37]: of how these taxes will be used. [0:42:38, 0:42:40]: And I just wanted to go on record with that. [0:42:40, 0:42:41]: Thank you. [0:42:42, 0:43:02]: Okay, council, no other uh questions. Now go into public hearing rules. Please mute all cell phones and electronic devices. If anyone wishes to speak tonight on a public hearing item, please fill out the form available on the table and hand it to the city clerk for approaching the podium. After each case is called, the council will hear from the city staff, followed by [0:43:02, 0:43:18]: applicant or the representatives regarding the proposed plans for property along with or any other relevant information. The council will be free to ask questions at any time before the vote. Following the applicant anyone who wishes to speak in favor or opposed to the case will have an opportunity to do so. [0:43:19, 0:43:37]: Each side will be allotted ten minutes total. Additional time may be extended at the discretion of the counsel. Please keep comments and presentation professional, referring only to the facts that are pertinent to the case. We will not allow comments or personal attacks toward any individual group. Please refrain from any applause or comments from the audience during the public hearing. [0:43:38, 0:43:58]: After the presiding officer recognizes the speaker, he or she shall direct all comments to the presiding officer, never to members of the council, staff, or audience. All comments will be made from the podium where you will be required to state your name and address for the record. Please note that these hearings are not a debate. Failure to comply will cause you to be removed from the chamber. [0:43:58, 0:44:02]: [2642.6, 2662.6]: Other than the applicant, no person may speak more than once. The applicant may reserve part or of his slash her speaking time as rebuttal and may speak next and last and may use the entire ten minutes allowed for the pro side of the application. If questions are raised, the counsel may ask the applicant to address questions andor concerns. [0:44:22, 0:44:42]: will call for a motion and second to the motion will have any necessary discussion. If the matter is not tabled, the presiding officer will call for the vote to recommend approval or denial of the request. So the public hearing is now open. I'm going to start on my left side. Anyone on the left side that has any comments for the the 3.77 or for the positive comments for [0:44:42, 0:45:02]: the presentation was given this evening on my very left side. Anybody in the middle? Positive comments for on my far right. Any comments? Okay. Seeing none. Oh any negative comment? I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Positive comments. I'm sorry. Come on up. I see. Any other um positive comments? If not [0:45:02, 0:45:03]: Um [0:45:06, 0:45:08]: Come on up to the mic. Name and address, please. [0:45:13, 0:45:14]: Yeah, given reference. [0:45:17, 0:45:18]: I'm sorry. [0:45:20, 0:45:26]: N okay, okay, no problems. Okay, so all right, so any uh negative comments to the presentation and briefing from my very left side. [0:45:27, 0:45:47]: In the middle. Any any negative comments to the presentation? Okay. Before right. All right, seeing none. So otherwise I'll close the public hearing on that note. This is a uh that we'll end that. This is actually an informational session. Once again, we'll have this uh third public hearing on Miller's rate and um on the eighteenth of August at ten uh in the morning and we'll make a final [0:45:47, 0:45:56]: Decision at the end of that particular meeting. On that note, then I will say to you that I will well, I'll act for a motion to end our meeting. [0:45:56, 0:45:58]: Some moves. Is there a second? [0:45:58, 0:46:04]: Okay, from Miss Gantt uh to Mr. Berry. All fair, please indicate. Ladies and gentlemen, the meeting is now over. [0:46:04, 0:46:10]: Now I will tell you then give it a few minutes and we'll start our our regular council meeting for the evening. [0:46:10, 0:46:13]: Give it about five minutes and we'll we'll con uh start that particular meeting.