The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners has tentatively adopted a millage rate that will require an increase in the Maintenance and Operation property taxes and Fire property taxes. The Board of Commissioners has also tentatively adopted a reduced millage rate for Bond property taxes.  

The proposed county Maintenance and Operation rate is 5.429 mills, up from 3.834 mills in 2009. The county has not increased the Maintenance and Operation rate since 2003. The proposed Fire rate is 1.975 mills, up from 1.841 mills in 2009. The proposed Bond rate is 0.947 mills, down from 1.196 mills in 2009. This represents a total county millage increase of 1.48 mills.  

The proposed Maintenance and Operation property tax increase would increase taxes on a home valued at $200,000 by approximately $127.60. The proposed Fire property tax increase would increase taxes on a home valued at $200,000 by approximately $10.72. The proposed Bond rate would decrease taxes on a home valued at $200,000 by approximately $19.92. The net effect to a tax bill for a home valued at $200,000 would be an increase of approximately $118.40.  

The proposed Maintenance and Operation property tax increase and Fire property tax increase will help offset projected deficits in the county’s 2011 preliminary budget and the Fire Department’s 2011 preliminary budget. The proposed Bond millage rate reflects the debt service requirements for bonds in 2011.  

At its June 22 work session, the Board of Commissioners approved to advertise the above-referenced property tax increase, noting their intention to reduce the projected $13 million deficit for the preliminary 2011 budget.  

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will hold three (3) public hearings to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions regarding the increase.  

All concerned citizens are invited to attend the public hearings regarding this tax increase. The hearings will be held at the Forsyth County Administration Building located at 110 E. Main Street, Suite 220, in Cumming on Thursday, July 15 at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Thursday, July 22 at 5 p.m. Following the third public hearing, the Board of Commissioners will hold a special called meeting Thursday, July 22 at 6 p.m. for adoption of the millage rate.