GAINESVILLE – The millage rate for property owners in the City of Gainesville is now officially set, but final approval was not without some dissent.
The millage rate – also known as the ad valorem tax rate – for the city school system was approved unanimously at 6.89 mils, a decrease of 0.59 mils from last year.
The millage rate for city operations (other than schools) calculated at 2.98 mils was a split decision. Councilwomen Ruth Bruner and Myrtle Figueras, joined by Councilman Bob Hamrick and Mayor Danny Dunagan voted in favor of the rate; Councilmen Sam Couvillon and George Wangemann voted against the rate.
That’s the story in a nutshell, but in reality it is not quite that simple. If all you need to know is that the property tax rate has been set, you may stop reading here; but if you want to know where the dissent arose, keep reading.
At issue during Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting was the millage rate for city operations. Last year it was 3.02-mills. The new rate is 2.98-mils. That’s a lower tax rate. What’s not to like about that? Doesn’t everyone like lower tax rates?
Here’s where the disagreement arises.
The 2.98 mil rate is made up of three separate components: 1.63 mils for general government; 0.75 mils for parks and recreation; and 0.60 mils for debt services. (That totals 2.98 mils.) Let’s look at each of the three components.
The 1.63 mils for the day-to-day operation of the city is less than last year and results in no increase in property taxes. The decrease in the millage rate offsets the fact that property values have risen. No problem here.
The 0.75 mils for parks and recreation is another story. In 1924 voters approved a tax dedicated to parks and recreation services and established in that referendum that the millage rate will be between 0.75 and 1.00 mils – no higher, no lower.
Last year the rate was 0.75 mils; the new rate is 0.75 mils; no change in rate, but because property values have climbed following re-assessment by Hall County the bottom line tax amount billed to property owners has climbed as well. And that doesn’t sit well with everyone concerned.
Renee Gerrell is a life-long resident of Gainesville; she voiced her concern during Tuesday night’s meeting.
“I’m frustrated,” Gerrell began. “The law that requires the 0.75 millage rate for parks and recreation…is close to 100-years old now, and it seems like it could be re-evaluated at this point.”
Gerrell also addressed the third component of the city operations millage rate: the 0.60 mils for debt servicing. She did not like having to repay debt for an investment she feels was a mistake.
“It further frustrates me that we are being asked to chip in more…on items that were purchased without public input,” Gerrell said.
“I don’t believe that there was much public input on the decision to purchase that jail. It was a bad decision and now we are all on-the-hook as taxpayers.”
Gerrell challenged the Council to revisit the law concerning the park and recreation millage rate and to find a way to pay off debt on the jail through some other means.
Tax bills will now be processed and enroute to city property owners in the near future.
NEW CITY ATTORNEY APPOINTED
The law firm of Hulsey, Oliver & Mahar was unanimously named to serve as City Attorney.
After nearly three decades serving as City Attorney for Gainesville, James “Bubba” Palmour, 78, has decided to not seek reappointment and focus his attention on private practice.
Taking his place on January 1, 2016, will be Abbott Hayes, Jr. of Hulsey, Oliver & Mahar.
Hayes is a Gainesville native and a graduate of the University of Georgia.
“It’s a real honor to follow Mr. Palmour,” Hayes said. “I actually went to high school with one of his children.”
“We’re going to do our best to continue his legacy.”
