Johns Creek Millage to Remain

The Johns Creek City Council has voted to remain at the 4.7 percent millage. The council voted in favor of the rate during the June 16 meeting.

“I think it is always popular to try to do what the citizens would love to see, and that would be to put money back in the citizens pockets,” said Mayor Mike Bodker.

However the Council did make the difficult and unpopular decision to remain at the current millage.

“We have a primary responsibility to make decisions that are not just sound for today, but 15 20 years out,” said Bodker.

The any increase in the rate a tax payer would pay is due to reassessments of property, many property values throughout the city increased in value. That increase will bring in an estimated $1.7 million to the city.

“We have so many needs and it is important for us to leverage those fund,” said Bev Miller. “It is so important for us to build up that reserve, we have many needs.”

As required by law, the city held three public hearings to receive input and thoughts from the community. While the participation was minimal all those who spoke were opposed to the increase.

Many citizens were concerned over those living on a fixed income, and the rate at which their estimated home value had increased.

A Johns Creek resident Melissa Wade state her home had increased in value 87 percent since the year 2000.

“I really don’t think my home value has increased that much,” she said.

For Fiscal Year 2008 the net dollar tax increase to Johns Creek has been calculated to be $1,783,022
or a 10.20 percent increase. Property revaluations make up slightly under half of this increase and other changes such as new construction make up the other half.