2025-08-18 · City Council · Transcript · Millage Rate Public Hearing

--- title: Millage Rate Public Hearing date: 2025-08-18 source: 2025-08-18_Millage_Rate_Public_Hearing.wav --- [0:03:47, 0:03:50]: Appreciate it. [0:03:51, 0:04:00]: All right, ladies and gentlemen, I have ten o'clock and I'd like to get our public hearing meeting involving our millage rate. This is our third public hearing that we have. [0:04:01, 0:04:03]: And so I have now actually ten o'clock. [0:04:05, 0:04:12]: And the invocation this evening, if you don't mind, Miss Judy Neal, come please give us an invocation. Come to my please stand, ladies and gentlemen. [0:04:17, 0:04:37]: Please bow your heads. Dear Heavenly Father, as we come together as a community today in this council chamber, we ask that you be closely with us, embracing each member of this council, that they remember that their job is so important to our community. [0:04:37, 0:04:53]: And we ask that you would bless them and guide them and direct them in every decision that they make, that it will be on the better side of goodness for our community. And we thank you for each of them for serving. Amen. [0:04:53, 0:05:07]: Amen. Pledge allegiance here. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for what it stands, one nation, one God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. [0:05:08, 0:05:10]: Madam Clerk, roll call, please. [0:05:12, 0:05:13]: Morning. [0:05:14, 0:05:34]: Mayor Ford. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. Present. Council Member Thomas. At the record reflect, Councilmember Thomas is not in attendance. Councilmember Berry. At the record reflect, Councilmember Berry is not in attendance. Councilmember Barber. Present. Council Member Alexander. Present. Mayor Ford, you have a call. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Appreciate that. Council, I need a motion to adopt the agenda, please. [0:05:33, 0:05:50]: So move. Okay. Mr. Alexander second. Second. Ms. Barber second in all favor, please indicate. She now's decision on that. And ladies and gentlemen, we have our third public hearing involving the 2025 millage rate. It's going to be presented by our treasurer, Mr. Frank Mulazi. Sir, please. [0:05:54, 0:06:09]: Good morning, Mayor and Council. Morning to you. Uh today is our third public hearing for our marriage rate, and at the end of the presentation, uh the governing body will be requested to adopt the marriage rate. [0:06:14, 0:06:34]: Tax rate is an amount of tax billed based on the fair market value of property using the marriage rate. And marriage rate is set annually by the governing body or the school board. A tax rate of one mil represents a tax liability of [0:06:34, 0:06:40]: of one dollar pay one thousand of assessed value. [0:06:45, 0:07:05]: Rawback rate. The rowback rate is the marriage rate that would raise the same amount of revenues as last year if applied to the current value of property tax that was last year's tax raw. Unfortunately, this is not the case in most cases because the [0:07:05, 0:07:07]: There are several factors and two of them [0:07:08, 0:07:09]: would be additional [0:07:11, 0:07:25]: properties that have come since last tax time and the biggest component of that is the increase of the property values [0:07:26, 0:07:32]: And most of the times you may not know that your value your home has gone up, the value has gone up. [0:07:33, 0:07:53]: Unless that value, that property is sold, you find out that what you would have sold last year is much, much less than what you would sell this year. So those factors are some of the factors that will make the taxes go up, not literally the [0:07:53, 0:07:55]: Mirage rate going up. [0:07:57, 0:07:59]: Mira great proposal. [0:08:01, 0:08:21]: The twenty twenty five tax digest grew from one ninety one point nine four billion dollars last year, which is twenty twenty four, to current in twenty twenty five of two point one billion or an increase of five point six percent. [0:08:21, 0:08:32]: Some of the reasons are the ones that he have just mentioned that it could be increase of properties in the city or the values of those properties have gone up. [0:08:34, 0:08:51]: With recommended marriage rate staying the same of three point seven seven that was instituted from twenty twenty three, twenty four, twenty five, this technically will be termed as the tax increase of one point eight three percent. [0:08:52, 0:08:57]: the city is required to have three public hearings. [0:08:57, 0:09:05]: And here we are on the third public hearing where the marriage rate will be adopted. [0:09:06, 0:09:19]: We also have to remember that the governing board provided to the residents the homestead exemption, that's a relief of taxes, to every homeowner of the city. [0:09:26, 0:09:33]: With the marriage rate proposal of twenty twenty five, which is three point seven seven. [0:09:34, 0:09:37]: They said it will be able to provide the same [0:09:38, 0:09:39]: Or more services [0:09:41, 0:09:42]: As it did last year. [0:09:43, 0:09:46]: That will be public safety services. [0:09:46, 0:09:47]: Under P D? [0:09:48, 0:09:50]: Public works department services. [0:09:51, 0:09:58]: And various roads projects that's citywide, improvement, construction and maintenance. [0:10:00, 0:10:05]: economic development projects to make our city more attractive for new [0:10:05, 0:10:08]: or potential business owners. [0:10:13, 0:10:28]: What will this mean to homeowners, especially those ones that may have a home of a hundred thousand? Tax rate comparison with those that will have [0:10:30, 0:10:46]: Homestead exemptions and those that did not take advantage of the homestead exemption that was provided. So for a homeowner of a hundred thousand, as we said that taxes are calculated on fair market value. [0:10:47, 0:10:48]: Which is forty percent. [0:10:49, 0:11:09]: 40% of 100,000 will come on to 40,000. That will be the assessed value. And without any local exemption, basic exemption, nothing will be removed there. So we still have taxable value of 40,000. That taxable [0:11:08, 0:11:19]: uh value of 40,000 times marriage rate of 3.77, that means the the homeowner will pay 150 per year. [0:11:20, 0:11:35]: And on the other side, on the right hand side, the same amount of hundred thousand, market value of forty, assessed value forty thousand, and with basic local exemption of ten thousand. [0:11:35, 0:11:55]: Take note of there were three exemptions that were provided to homeowners. Every homeowner of the city of Stockbridge. One was just you to be a homeowner, you deserved a break of ten thousand. And if you have septic tanks, [0:11:55, 0:12:15]: On your property, you again have a leaf of 15,000. If you are a citizen of 65 years and above, you are given a leaf of uh 15,000. However, if you have 15,000. [0:12:15, 0:12:17]: than of age. [0:12:17, 0:12:19]: sixty five and above. [0:12:19, 0:12:21]: And you also have uh [0:12:21, 0:12:23]: Septic tank on your property. [0:12:24, 0:12:27]: you can only get one fifteen thousand because the total [0:12:28, 0:12:29]: Exemptions [0:12:30, 0:12:50]: Are 25,000. Basics for everyone. And then 15,000 either from age or from septic tank, 25. So in this case, we are applying the basic of 10,000, meaning that it's only being a homeowner. You are not 65 and you don't have a septic tank. [0:12:50, 0:13:10]: On your property. That will reduce 40,000 to 30,000. And the taxable value will be that 30,000 times 3.77, we get$113.10. Meaning that you are saving if you had homestead. [0:13:09, 0:13:15]: exemption, you are saving thirty seven dollars and seventy cents per year. [0:13:17, 0:13:35]: Another example we have given is the same hundred thousand, but you have both. The left hand side it will still be the same hundred and fifty dollars and eighty cents per year. But on the right hand side [0:13:35, 0:13:37]: You have the basic of ten thousand. [0:13:37, 0:13:57]: Then you have also either you are 65 and above, or you have a septic tank that brings in 15,000 plus 10, it comes up to 25. 25,000 from 40,000, which is the assessed value, will remain with 15,000. [0:13:57, 0:14:13]: meaning that you pay taxes only on the remaining fifteen thousand. fifteen thousand times the marriage rate of three point seven seven, you will pay taxes of fifty six dollars and fifty five cents. [0:14:16, 0:14:22]: And there you are saving ninety four dollars and twenty five cents to those who did not. [0:14:22, 0:14:29]: uh apply for homestead exemption and those who applied homestead exemptions with both [0:14:29, 0:14:37]: uh with all or both are t are taking in the basic ten and fifteen of twenty five thousand. [0:14:41, 0:14:48]: Then we have the last one, an example of say you have a home of three hundred thousand. [0:14:49, 0:14:57]: Three hundred thousand still uh uh everything is applied, the fair market value of forty percent. [0:14:57, 0:15:01]: Forty percent of three hundred thousand is hundred and twenty. [0:15:02, 0:15:04]: That will be our taxable value. [0:15:04, 0:15:09]: That taxable value times marriage rate of three point seven seven. [0:15:09, 0:15:12]: You pay taxes of four hundred and fifty two. [0:15:13, 0:15:14]: Forty. [0:15:14, 0:15:16]: P I E. [0:15:16, 0:15:17]: And on the [0:15:17, 0:15:19]: Right hand side [0:15:19, 0:15:21]: If you had the basic [0:15:21, 0:15:23]: You pay instead [0:15:23, 0:15:31]: Of four hundred and fifty two forty, you pay four hundred and fourteen dollars and seventy cents. [0:15:32, 0:15:44]: Now let's say on the same three hundred that you have both exemptions of basic ten and fifteen twenty. [0:15:44, 0:16:04]: So on the right the left hand side you still have the same of four hundred and fifty-two dollars and forty cents. And on the right hand side, you have three hundred thousand times forty to get the assessed value of 120,000 because you have both ten thousand. [0:16:04, 0:16:15]: And 15,000, you will remove 25,000 there. That means your taxable amount will only be 95,000. [0:16:15, 0:16:19]: ninety five thousand times the three point seven seven. [0:16:19, 0:16:37]: meaning that you are going to pay taxes of three hundred and fifty eight and fifteen cents instead of four hundred and fifty two forty cents without homestead exemption. There again you save ninety four dollars and twenty five cents in a year. [0:16:41, 0:16:44]: The next one will be the tax digest. [0:16:45, 0:16:51]: Tax digest, that's where you have all the calculations, the makeup of our taxes. [0:16:52, 0:16:53]: They will be from Rio. [0:16:56, 0:17:02]: property and you may have motor vehicles, you may have mobile homes. [0:17:03, 0:17:07]: All those ones they bring us to have gross [0:17:08, 0:17:09]: Um [0:17:10, 0:17:11]: Taxable. [0:17:11, 0:17:13]: Gross digest. [0:17:14, 0:17:34]: Then from gross digest you have to remove in this case our gross digest now that's the one if you see on the far right hand side you see the gross is two point one and if you go to the second from right you find out that there is thirty one point [0:17:33, 0:17:53]: Which was of last year. So that growth we have mentioned about 5.6 is coming from there. 2024 is lower than 2025. If you see in the column of 2024 on the uh gross digest. [0:17:53, 0:17:56]: then it will remove [0:17:57, 0:18:02]: exemptions and in this case we'll have uh uh [0:18:03, 0:18:14]: Last year you see last year we had about forty-four thousand uh on column twenty-four, uh less forty-four thousand. But this year [0:18:15, 0:18:22]: In the column of twenty-five, you see that the we are having hundred and nineteen thousand. [0:18:23, 0:18:24]: Less. [0:18:25, 0:18:34]: That hundred and nineteen thousand represents the homestead exemption for those who took advantage of that. [0:18:34, 0:18:43]: And for those that have not taken advantage they are encouraged when that comes again, which will be january twenty twenty six. [0:18:44, 0:19:01]: through April twenty twenty six, please do apply so you can take advantage of that, even though it's a reduction of tax revenues, but this is what our governing body already extended to you to have a relief of taxes. [0:19:02, 0:19:16]: And if you go down you find out that um our marriage rate have remained the same since we started in twenty twenty three. If you see in the quorum of twenty twenty three is three point seven seven. [0:19:16, 0:19:21]: You get in the column of twenty four, it's still three point seven seven. [0:19:21, 0:19:24]: And the this year again twenty twenty five. [0:19:24, 0:19:29]: It's still the same, even though things have gone up, the cost has gone up. [0:19:29, 0:19:31]: The services we mentioned [0:19:32, 0:19:35]: The services we got last year will not be [0:19:35, 0:19:51]: the same in this year we will have to pay up more. But the marriage rate still remained the same because the council decided to give you a relief as citizens of Stockbridge. [0:19:54, 0:19:58]: And uh you find out that with all that [0:19:59, 0:20:19]: The only increase, the increase that would be there is 131,000. And 131,000, if you divide by number of housing that we have, is almost less than seven dollars a year. And when you go into uh home [0:20:19, 0:20:35]: State exemption, you have seen that you are saving$94, the other side you are saving about$37. That is so many, many times of what increase you may have if there was a rollback. [0:20:36, 0:20:40]: And the the total increase is that one at the bottom of uh [0:20:41, 0:20:42]: Other page. [0:20:42, 0:20:45]: You see that in twenty twenty three [0:20:45, 0:20:47]: There was hundred percent increase [0:20:47, 0:20:51]: The hundred percent increase comes because that was the [0:20:52, 0:20:53]: Initial [0:20:53, 0:21:06]: of leaving taxes in the history of City of Stockbridge. And last year, 2024, there was that four point four increase. You will see that the increase is literally going down. [0:21:07, 0:21:13]: From last year four point four to this year one point eight three percent. [0:21:13, 0:21:14]: With that [0:21:15, 0:21:18]: I will entertain questions and comments. [0:21:18, 0:21:21]: The city manager may have something to say. [0:21:22, 0:21:30]: City manager is okay. I put it to the governing board if you have any comment or questions. Council, any questions for Mr. Lazi? [0:21:32, 0:21:33]: Oh, go ahead, please. [0:21:34, 0:21:37]: Thank you, Mr. Malazzi, for your presentation. Um [0:21:39, 0:21:40]: So [0:21:40, 0:21:50]: If a homeowner qualifies for all three exemptions, I know right now the exemption is capped at twenty-five thousand dollars. [0:21:51, 0:21:51]: Uh [0:21:53, 0:21:53]: What? [0:21:54, 0:21:56]: Can we do locally here? [0:21:57, 0:22:00]: To ensure that they can benefit [0:22:00, 0:22:01]: From all three. [0:22:02, 0:22:04]: The whole point of me bringing forth the [0:22:05, 0:22:14]: um the idea for the septic systems is mainly for those homeowners in my district. And I know a lot of them um [0:22:15, 0:22:17]: are seniors. [0:22:17, 0:22:20]: So they actually qualify for all three. [0:22:21, 0:22:23]: But they're kept at twenty five thousand. [0:22:25, 0:22:36]: Can something be done here for us to ensure that they're able to benefit from all three and raise that maximum amount to thirty thousand or thirty-five thousand? [0:22:37, 0:22:41]: They can, they cannot, because [0:22:41, 0:22:47]: The aim of introducing hi this homestead exemption, you tried as much as possible [0:22:47, 0:22:51]: to make sure that we don't duplicate the Ali Leaf. [0:22:51, 0:22:52]: with the county. [0:22:52, 0:22:59]: So we made sure that the services we are providing here they are not the same services that the county is providing. [0:23:00, 0:23:01]: And the [0:23:01, 0:23:02]: You made it [0:23:03, 0:23:23]: ten thousand for everyone. That's everyone. Then from there you saw it fit to give relief to elderly people that are sixty five and a half. So regardless of regardless of that, as long as you reach that, you are guaranteed of if additional [0:23:23, 0:23:31]: or fifteen thousand. If you are 69, 62, it's just a matter of time, you will. [0:23:31, 0:23:51]: However, there may be some that have not, that's the way that we need to do, that have not applied. They are sixty-five and above, but they don't know or they didn't apply. And that's what we will be doing is starting from October to make sure that everyone uh is aware of this because now we are having a lot of four. [0:23:51, 0:24:06]: phone calls. I didn't know. I didn't know. But we'll make sure that this time is specifically for stock bridge because we have a lot of some that are in incorporated area. Some they are using the same zip code of two [0:24:06, 0:24:07]: Uh two eighty one. [0:24:08, 0:24:28]: z uh Stockbridge, but they are not residents of this. So we'll try as much as possible. We have already set up meeting with the our uh information officer that will be what we will be doing uh our communication uh department that will what we intend to do come October. [0:24:28, 0:24:33]: So we'll try as much. That's on the edge side. On septic tank is limited. [0:24:33, 0:24:36]: You have it or you don't have it, unless you change. [0:24:37, 0:24:57]: But those who be be benefiting from there are those that have got septic tanks. So you have regardless of that, everyone will benefit, as I said, the basic of ten thousand. Then someone has to wait, he or she if they are not yet sixty-five. Then you have to have a septic tank. [0:24:57, 0:25:08]: Bank that the county does not have. You have a lot of uh from incorporated areas, they would love to have that, but they are not paying taxes from the city of Stockbridge. [0:25:08, 0:25:10]: I get it. Um [0:25:11, 0:25:17]: So I'm talking about in the future. I'm talking about for this year. Okay, okay. In the future. [0:25:17, 0:25:20]: Um I would like to see [0:25:20, 0:25:21]: Homeowners [0:25:21, 0:25:23]: who actually qualify. [0:25:23, 0:25:25]: For all three exemptions, [0:25:26, 0:25:27]: What do we need to do? [0:25:27, 0:25:29]: Um if we wanted to [0:25:30, 0:25:32]: increase that [0:25:32, 0:25:32]: Um [0:25:33, 0:25:53]: Maximum amount for the exemptions. Are we able to do that locally or is that something that's set by the state? It has to go to the state. [0:25:53, 0:25:55]: pass. But I'll I'll I'll concert on that. [0:25:56, 0:26:13]: Thank you, sir. Um it is my intent to ensure that all three exemptions are actually available for homeowners who qualify. I want them to be able to take advantage of the maximum amount of the tax exemptions and if [0:26:13, 0:26:15]: All three? [0:26:15, 0:26:23]: Um so for the general homestead exemption, that's automatic ten thousand dollars, correct? Okay. Okay. Correct. [0:26:23, 0:26:24]: Yeah, correct. [0:26:25, 0:26:29]: For sixty five years and older. It's fifteen. That's fifteen. Yeah. [0:26:29, 0:26:31]: And what is the amount for septic? [0:26:31, 0:26:33]: Fifteen, but you can't have both. [0:26:34, 0:26:35]: Okay. [0:26:35, 0:26:39]: В'ямид амин'я бойство леген. [0:26:39, 0:26:43]: That's what we we said it. Correct. Yes. All right. [0:26:43, 0:26:44]: So [0:26:45, 0:26:46]: Next year or [0:26:46, 0:26:51]: Later this year, okay we're at our retreat. I'd like to have a discussion. [0:26:51, 0:26:52]: So the head. [0:26:53, 0:26:58]: Homeowners can take advantage of all three of these. [0:26:58, 0:27:04]: exemptions if they qualify. This would not apply this year or next year. [0:27:04, 0:27:15]: So what you mean is it will be ten thousand will remain. Someone if he's sixty five can get fifteen, if he's has got septic tank and got fifteen, so it will be forty. Correct. [0:27:17, 0:27:36]: Yep, that would be the amount. Okay. The maximum amount, not the thirty that we have currently. I will consult how it is, but the decision will still come from you. Yeah. The city manager is to speak something. I wanted to consult with you um regarding who actually sets that maximum amount. [0:27:37, 0:27:45]: So I want to be able to allow residents who actually qualify for all three to be able to benefit. [0:27:45, 0:27:50]: From all three. So we need to increase that maximum amount. [0:27:50, 0:27:54]: by the council adopting a resolution, then I'm all for it. [0:27:54, 0:28:06]: Yes. That's all. Thank you. The the answer is yes. Council can set whatever exemptions that you will allow. Uh but I also wanted to uh include that the county also offer [0:28:06, 0:28:26]: Homesteads exemptions. That's for disability, a whole bunch of different other things that uh veteran benefits, a whole whole bunch of different exemptions that they may or may not qualify for. So we also encourage them to take a look at that as well so they can get city exemptions as well as county exemptions to kind of offset that cost as well. So I just wanted to include that. [0:28:26, 0:28:32]: Um as well. But the answer is yes, the council can decide what are exemptions they would want to allow. [0:28:34, 0:28:35]: Thank you. [0:28:36, 0:28:37]: You know the question of Ms. Mulazo. [0:28:39, 0:28:59]: No, but you certainly would have to parse that to see whether or not um because most of our customers are Henry County Water Authority customers and it would be like they already have that exemption with the county if they're um if they're not water author, if they're not [0:28:58, 0:29:15]: not being serviced by the city. So it would have to be parsed down to whether or not we in this general area right here were serving them the water because if we gave them exemption on the Henry County water, it would be like they would be getting double exemptions. Yeah. [0:29:17, 0:29:27]: All right, for no other comments from the council, wanna make note that uh Michael Harris, uh tax commissioner, is present. Sir, would you wanna uh want to come to the mic and address anything or [0:29:27, 0:29:32]: Any comments for us before we uh get into the public hearing with our citizens? [0:29:33, 0:29:53]: Morning Mayor, good morning, Council. Morning. Um again, just wanna thank the Mayor, the Council, staff, Ms. Malazi, uh Mr. Edmondson and the entire staff here, Miss Um Holiday, for all your support during this year's uh digest cycle. It's been a challenging time. We've had a number of issues that have arisen based on the new legislation. Things we're still trying to [0:29:53, 0:30:13]: work ourselves through as as as we go on. But um your flexibility um throughout this process has been has been certainly been appreciated and just want to thank again you on the staff for getting us to this point. Um I was at a hearing this morning in Locust Grove they have their adoption later on this evening, school board later today and the board [0:30:13, 0:30:23]: board of commissioners will be tomorrow. So process is moving forward. Um again, just appreciative for everyone's uh diligence and and and and timeliness and getting things back over to us. [0:30:24, 0:30:44]: Council, any questions? Thank you for being here, sir, by the way. Council, any questions for Mr. Harris? Excuse me. I'd just like to say, Mr. Harris, we passed our flossed or resolution at the last meeting at nine o'clock. So we're certainly looking forward to that and making sure that we are able to [0:30:44, 0:31:02]: provide that additional tax release. So certainly would like to thank you uh for that. And then you never know who's tuning in uh from the previous meeting. So if you would kinda uh give us a little update on um as you did at the previous meetings about uh floss, that would be great. [0:31:02, 0:31:22]: Yeah, just briefly, I mean, this is really relegated between I know there's negotiations going on between the municipalities and the county as we speak. Um, so the floss provision was a part of the legislation that was passed last year in House Bill five eighty one. It allowed for if if everyone the county and our respective cities decide to opt in [0:31:22, 0:31:42]: to the uh legislation which created this additional floating homestead exemption, then they also became eligible to move forward with a floss, which is very similar to what we have in place right now, with a sploss where um the cities and the county can collect up to [0:31:42, 0:32:02]: One cent additional cent specifically to be used for the reduction of the millage rates. It can be done in half cent increments, either 0.5 cents or one cent increments. Because all the cities opted in and the county opted in, that makes everyone eligible. The school boards opting out. [0:32:02, 0:32:22]: has no bearing in this case. Um so even though they did opt out, they have no bearing. Again, the collections would be relegated to the county and the cities. Um how the counties and the cities opt to and make those determinations on how they're to be distributed. I mean that's my understanding those negotiations are forth are ongoing as we speak. Um [0:32:22, 0:32:42]: But the law is very specific and clear in that it mandates that all revenues collected must be used for the reduction of that millage rate. Much in the same way a SPLOSS that we have in place right now, all collections from SPLOS have to be utilized on those designated SPLOS projects. [0:32:42, 0:33:02]: Um again they make very specific um um calculations on this as well. One thing to note is that it would be in uh in arrears. I mean, so it would be collections if it were it would have to go to the to the voters for as a referendum for a vote. If it's voted on, collections would begin in twenty-six to be applied in twenty four. [0:33:02, 0:33:21]: twenty seven. So there is still some timing that needs to um be worked out. But um it will certainly be a a strong tool to be utilized for for everyone in the for the reduction of of of uh the millage rate. As a county resident, I would certainly like to see this happen and move forward, so as I'm sure everyone would. [0:33:23, 0:33:23]: Certainly. [0:33:24, 0:33:26]: Any other questions, Council for our tax commissioner? [0:33:28, 0:33:30]: Okay, if not, thank you sir for being here. Appreciate it. [0:33:30, 0:33:44]: Now open up for public hearing. Um so here are the public hearing rules. Please mute all cell phones and other 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 before approaching the podium. [0:33:45, 0:34:05]: After each case is called, the council will hear from the city staff, followed by the applicant and the representative 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. [0:34:05, 0:34:25]: Each side will be allowed ten minutes total. Additional time may be extended at the discretion of the counsel. Please keep comments and presentations 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 applause or comments from the audience during the public hearing. [0:34:24, 0:34:44]: After the presiding officer recognizes the speaker, he she shall direct all comments to the presiding officer and never to the members of the council staff or the 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. [0:34:44, 0:35:04]: Failure to comply will cause you to be removed by the chamber from the chamber and the building by law enforcement if you deviate from these proceedings. Other than the applicant, no person may speak more than once. The applicant may reserve part of his or her speaking time as a rebuttal and may speak next and last and may use the entire ten minutes allowed for the process. [0:35:04, 0:35:24]: Of the application. If questions are raised, the council may ask the applicant to address questions andor concerns. The presiding officer will call for a motion and a second to the motion and have any necessary discussion. If the matter is not tabled, the presiding officer will call for a vote to recommend approval or denial of the request. On that note, I'm [0:35:24, 0:35:43]: open this is opened up any comments for for the the current request of 3.77 millis rate from my far left any comments in the middle any comments for my far right comments against uh the 3.77 millis rate that we're discussing on my far left any in the middle [0:35:45, 0:35:50]: No one on any money right. So it's no comments for or against either side. So I'll close the public hearing now. Note. [0:35:51, 0:36:01]: And uh council, I need a motion to uh to accept uh proposed mills rate. Yes, Ms. Kant. I move that we accept the proposed millist rate of the three point seven seven. [0:36:01, 0:36:13]: Second. Okay, from Ms. Gantt uh Mr. Alexander Onfair, please indicate. Okay, as you now decision. On that note, uh Council, I need a motion to adjourn our meeting. So moved. Okay, is there a second? [0:36:14, 0:36:18]: Sir. Okay, from uh Mr. Gantt to Mr. Berry, all in favor, please indicate. [0:36:19, 0:36:21]: Okay, God bless you and good night.