Politics & Government
Canton's New Budget May Mean Tax Increases
Canton property owners may see a 17 percent jump in their tax bills.
Several projects planned by the City of Canton may force the city to raise the millage rate in the fiscal year 2014 budget.
A notice on the city's website says that the mayor and city council have "tentatively adopted" the rate increase, which will mean a 17.47 percent jump in property taxes, or an increase of 1.187 mills.
The city's current millage rate is 6.793 mills. The increase would see the millage rate set at 7.980 mills.
This boils down to a $71 hike in the property tax bill of a home valued at $150,000.
With the additional revenue, the City of Canton could hire nine new firefighters, which would help earn the city an ISO rating of 3. Additionally, the city could consider building an outdoor amphitheater at the new Etowah River Park.
Starting in August, the city will hold three public hearings to allow concerned citizens to voice their opinions on the proposed tax hike.
The first meeting will be held on Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The next two meetings will be on Aug. 15 and Aug. 22, both at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
What are your thoughts on this potential tax increase? Tell us in the comments!
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