The FY09 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 13.30 for 2008, an increase of 0.50 of a mill, however, changes in current property assessments will result in an overall increase in property taxes by 9.7%.

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 passed by the Georgia General Assembly in 1999:

• Thursday, May 8 - 5:30 p.m. - 120 Dougherty Street (Planning Auditorium) [followed by a Mayor & Commission Budget Work Session]
• Thursday, May 15 - 5:30 p.m. - 120 Dougherty Street (Planning Auditorium) [followed by a Mayor & Commission Budget Work Session]
• Thursday, May 22 - 6:45 p.m. - 301 College Avenue (City Hall Commission Chamber) [followed by a Mayor & Commission Agenda Setting Session]

Public comments will also be taken at the following Mayor and Commission meetings that have the FY09 Budget on the agenda. A vote on the FY09 Budget is planned for Tuesday, June 5:

• Thursday, May 22 (Agenda Setting Session) - 7:00 p.m. - City Hall Commission Chamber
• Tuesday, June 5 (Regular Voting Session) - 7:00 p.m. - City Hall Commission Chamber

The FY09 recommended budget can be found on the Athens-Clarke County Web site in the Finance section of the Online Documents.

Copies of the budget are available for inspection during normal office hours at the following locations:

• Office of the Manager, 301 College Avenue, City Hall, Room 304
• Clerk of Commission’s Office, 301 College Avenue, City Hall, Room 204
• Athens Regional Library 2025 Baxter Street