Hall County's proposed budget for next year will cut spending by nearly 6 percent as revenues decline due the coronavirus pandemic.
The nearly $270 million proposed budget would take effect July 1, the first day of the new fiscal year.
Commissioners were told Thursday that revenue overall will be down 5.79 percent, including a 13 percent drop in licenses and permits and a 17 percent drop in local option sales tax and ad valorem taxes. Revenue from property taxes is expected to drop less than 1 percent.
Capital projects, such as new construction, vehicle replacement and building renovations, will be delayed until later in the year. Some capital projects are funded through SPLOST funds.
The proposed budget includes a partial rollback of the county's millage rate, which is used to determine property taxes. The new budget includes a millage rate of 4.853 mills, which is about two-tenths of a mill lower than the current rate. Governments typically roll back the millage rate based on growth in the tax digest so that the average taxpayer won't see a higher tax bill. Still, depending on the assessed value of their property, some taxpayers may see slightly higher bills.
Commissioners are expected to vote on the budget when they meet on June 25.
