The Brookhaven City Council on June held the first of three public hearings regarding a millage rate increase.
Two people spoke in favor of the increase, and two, including former Brookhaven Mayor J. Max Davis, spoke against it.
According to the notice posted in advance of the meeting, property taxes will increase
by 47.12%.
“This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 3.850 mills, an increase of 1.233 mills,” the announcement said. “Without this tentative tax increase, the
millage rate will be no more than 2.617 mills.”
The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of 800,000 will be about $394.56, and the proposed tax increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $1,575,000 is approximately $764.46, the announcement said.
Last October, staff discussed increasing the millage rate to 3.54, which would represent a hike of 0.8 mills from the current rate of 2.74 mills. The latest proposal has increased the original rate by 1.233 mills.
Brookhaven City Manager Christian Sigman said the millage rate increase is essential to keep existing services in the city.
“These discussions always draw a lot of public interest,” Sigman told the council. “There are no alternatives that will allow the city to retain [the current level] of services without it.”
Sigman said the freeze on residential properties, combined with commercial properties’ successful tax appeals, has contributed greatly to a decline in future revenues.
Despite the increase, city officials say that Brookhaven still has the second-lowest millage rate, behind Dunwoody.
During public comment, Betsy Ayers said she was “happy to pay more to support the city of Brookhaven.”
“It would be crazy to complain about taxes,” she said, pointing out that nearby Chamblee doesn’t have nearly the amenities that can be found in Brookhaven.
Davis, who said during a 2025 meeting that a millage rate increase should be approved by referendum, said, “It’s not courageous to take the millage rate cap away.”
“You need to look at current staffing and see if it’s a wise use of taxpayer’s money,” Davis said.
Two more public hearings will be held before the council passes the budget: on June 23 at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
In other action, the council:
- heard from the Brookhaven Bike Alliance about recent and upcoming events;
- reminded attendees of upcoming events, like a June 13 wellness walk at the North Druid Hills Trailhead, starting at 9 a.m.;
- discussed Council Member John Funny’s District 4 town hall meeting on June 24 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, starting at 6:30 p.m.;
- heard a presentation about upcoming stormwater projects;
- talked about the June 19 Juneteenth celebration that is being held in conjunction with several cities, including Sandy Springs and Dunwoody.
