City Council Cuts Property Tax Rate, Adopts Roll Back Millage Rate

Tuesday, November 8th, 2022

The Mayor and Council of Dalton voted unanimously Monday night to set the 2022 millage rate at 2.207 mills. That reflects a slight tax rate cut from last year's rate of 2.208 mills and is the 100% "roll back" millage rate to offset any revenue increases from reassessments or changes in the tax digest. According to figures provided by the City Finance Department, the new millage rate is expected to collect $8.1 million, which is up slightly from last year due to growth in the city's tax digest.

The county and municipal governments of Whitfield County agreed earlier this year to adopt the roll back millage rates as part of negotiations for distribution of the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST). Under that agreement, the City of Dalton receives approximately 36% of the LOST collection. 

"We've discussed the tax digest several times in the Finance Committee meetings, and I'm recommending that we set the millage rate at 2.207 mills which is the roll back rate as calculated," said Chief Financial Officer Cindy Jackson during Monday night's meeting. 

With the new millage rate set, the attention of the Mayor and Council will turn towards the 2023 budget next week. There is a called meeting of the Mayor and Council on Monday night, November 14th at 6:00 pm at City Hall for a public hearing on the proposed 2023 budget. A vote on adoption of the budget has been scheduled for a meeting on Monday, December 5th at 6:00 pm. The proposed budget document is available for inspection during regular business hours 8:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday in the Finance Office at City Hall, 300 W. Waugh Street in Dalton. 

The City Council voted 4-0 in favor of setting the 2022 millage rate. Mayor Pennington typically only votes in the event of a tie.