The Fiscal Year 2011 (FY11) Mayor’s Recommended Budget has been submitted to the Commission for review as required by law. The Mayor’s Recommended Budget proposes a millage rate of 13.70 for 2010, an increase of 0.50 of a mill. To put this increase in perspective, the owner of a home valued at $150,000 would pay an addition $25 in property tax per year based on the new millage rate. [To see how ACC's 2009 taxes compare to other Georgia communities, check out this tax comparison document.]

The final decision related to property taxes for 2010 will be included as part of the adoption of the FY11 Budget scheduled for June 1, 2010. Pursuant to the requirements of Georgia law (OCGA 48-5-32), three public hearings will be held during May to comply with the Taxpayer Bill of Rights to receive oral and written comments about the FY11 Annual Operating and Capital Budget for Athens-Clarke County, Georgia.

• Hearing #1 – Wednesday, May 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the Planning Auditorium at 120 W. Dougherty Street [followed by a Mayor & Commission Work Session on the FY11 Budget]
• Hearing #2 – Thursday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the Planning Auditorium at 120 W. Dougherty Street [followed by a Mayor & Commission Work Session on the FY11 Budget]
• Hearing #3 – Thursday, May 20 at 6:45 p.m. in the City Hall Commission’s Chambers at 301 College Avenue [followed by a Mayor & Commission Agenda Setting Session]

Public comments will also be taken as part of the normal public comment period at the following Mayor and Commission meetings that have the FY11 Budget on the agenda.

• Thursday, May 20 (Agenda Setting Session) - 7:00 p.m. - City Hall Commission Chamber
• Tuesday, June 1 (Regular Voting Session) - 7:00 p.m. - City Hall Commission Chamber

An additional Mayor & Commission Budget Work Session may be held on Tuesday, May 18, if necessary. Public comments will not be taken at this meeting, if it is scheduled.

A qualified interpreter for the hearing impaired is available upon request at least 10 days in advance of these meetings. Call (706-613-3031, [TDD (706) 613-3115]) to request an interpreter.

The FY11 Mayor’s Recommended Budget can be reviewed online. Copies of the FY11 Recommended Budget are also available for public inspection during normal office hours at the following locations:

• Office of the Manager, Room 304, City Hall
• Athens Regional Library, 2025 Baxter Street; and
• the Clerk of Commission’s Office, Room 204, City Hall.

For more information on the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, visit the Georgia Department of Revenue’s Web Site at http://www.etax.dor.ga.gov/ptd/adm/taxguide/rights.aspx.