After public backlash and packed hearings in September, officials in Roswell, Georgia, scaled back an initially proposed 56% increase in the property tax rate.
Even with that reduction, the Georgia Sun reported that the city moved forward with a rate hike that will still raise what homeowners pay.
Here's what to know
The Georgia Sun reported that Roswell City Council voted 4-2 to approve a 2026 millage rate of 5.232 mills, compared with 4.949 mills in 2025. That final number was lower than the original 7.732-mill rate the city advertised and also below the 5.9-mill proposal council members had previously advanced.
At the newly adopted rate, a Roswell home valued at $575,000 would face a city tax bill of about $1,203 before exemptions. Under the 2025 rate, the same home would have generated roughly $1,138: a difference of about $65 for the year and a 5.7% increase.
Roswell left its maintenance-and-operations levy unchanged at 4.049 mills and raised only the debt-service portion, which went from 0.900 mills in 2025 to 1.183 mills. That debt-related share supports voter-approved bond projects like a downtown parking deck and park projects.
Resident pushback helped drive the rate lower. Speaking at the Sept. 14 hearing, the Georgia Sun said former Mayor Jere Wood told council members, "I understand staff has told you that you need a 56% tax increase, but now it's time to listen to the citizens, and they've told you no. That's who you work for. You're not working for staff."
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More background
As council members discussed the issue, Mayor Mary Robichaux asked Finance Director Adam Natan to explain the city's outstanding obligations. Natan said Roswell has about $225 million in principal tied to multiple financing mechanisms and another $147.6 million in unpaid interest.
The discussion also made clear that general budget questions remain unresolved. Council Member Sarah Beeson described major capital expenses ahead, and Council Member Chris Zack said the city should enter the next budget cycle with a more defined spending strategy.
What's being done?
The next steps in the 2027 budget schedule are a presentation on Oct. 13, a first reading on Oct. 26, and final consideration on Nov. 9.
Residents should see city tax bills mailed by late October, meaning the updated rate may be reflected in household finances.
"At the end of the day, really the conversation is tax increase against service. And that is why I would prefer talking about these items within the 2027 budget," said Zack, as the Georgia Sun relayed.
Where can I learn more?
Roswell's tax debate is part of a pattern of homeowners pushing back when government and company decisions affect property costs and use.
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