---
date: 2023-07-18
title: Public Hearing #2 for Millage Rate Minutes
source: 2023-07/2023-07-18_Public Hearing #2 for Millage Rate_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
ACTION MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2023 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Frederick Gardiner, City Manager
Mayor Pro Yolanda Barber Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilman Elton Alexander John Wiggins, City Treasurer
Councilman Alphonso Thomas Quinton Washington, City Attorney
Councilman John Blount Jeremy T. Berry, City Attorney
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt
Mission: To provide visionary leadership and superior municipal services that enhance the
quality of life for citizens while creating a welcoming business atmosphere focused on
sustainability and expansion of tourism and cultural events.
I. Call to Order – Mayor Ford – 6:04 p.m.

II. Invocation – Councilman Blount

III. Pledge of Allegiance – Recited by all in attendance.

IV. Roll Call – All members were present except Councilwoman Gantt.

V. Adoption of the Agenda – Motion to adopt the Agenda made by Councilman
Blount; seconded by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Gardiner introduced Michael Harris, Henry County Tax Commissioner.

Mr. Harris noted this is the second of three required public hearings; and gave an
overview of the process of setting a millage, noted the Board of Education assesses 60%
of the taxes; the County assesses 37% of the taxes, the Water Authority assesses 2% of
the taxes with the remaining 1% from cities; and reviewed the Exemptions and the
associated requirements.

Mr. Gardiner gave an overview presentation of the City’s Financials and the Setting of a
Millage Rate Proposal; noted the growth of the City and the impact of services to Public
Works, the Police Department, the FY2024 Budget and presented Millage Rate options;
noted the annexed 6,700 new residents, 91 miles of new roadways to service, and over
1900 units approved for development that are under construction with an estimated
population of 41,000 within the next 5 years; noted the projected 29% increase of public
safety call, presented a comparison of similar sized populations with police departments
including the millage rates and annual budgets, and number of officers; gave a
preliminary FY2024 General Fund Budget at a glance with 6 options of proposed millage
rates of 0.00, 1.904,3.77, 4, 4.215 and 6 (noting the 1.904 is already included); reviewed
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the 4-year Fund Balance Review; presented a Stockbridge Property tax Analysis
referencing average homes at their assessed values and incorporating the proposed 6
millage rates options; reviewed how the current Henry County Millage Rate is distributed;
reviewed the proposed funding for the City of Stockbridge with General Government at
32% of the Budget; 16% Debt Service; 32% Public Safety and 21% Public Works.

Councilwoman Gantt joined the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Members of Council inquired about the budget and the proposed millage rates.

PUBLIC HEARING
Proposed Millage Rate - Property Tax Increase

Mayor Ford opened the Public Hearing

Speakers in Favor: No Speakers

Speakers Opposed:
Mr. Nicky Ford, Mr. Maestro Evans, Ms. Mindy Mayers, Ms. Sunny Randazzo,
Mr. Eric Knowles, Mr. Charles McEwen, Ms. Kim Dillon Harville, Ms. Marion D. Calhoun,
Ms. Cynthia Strong, Ms. Evelyn Strong, Ms. Armenta M. Jones, Ms. Jocelyn Williams,
Mr. Bruce Smith, Sr., Mr. Stewart Ebaugh, Ms. Jane Lee, Ms. Keisha Foster and
Mr. Clitel Pittman.

Public Hearing Closed

Mr. Gardiner addressed citizen concerns and will follow up on other issues raised.

The final Public Hearing for the Millage Rate will take place at Stockbridge City Hall on
July 27, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chamber, 2nd floor.

ADJOURN
Motion to adjourn made by Councilman Blount; seconded by Councilwoman Barber. The
motion passed 3-0 (Councilman Alexander and Councilwoman Gantt were not present for
the vote). The meeting ended at 8:49 p.m.

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