Dozens of Hancock County residents frustrated over proposed millage rate increase

Hancock County Commissioners Board District 3 Ted Reid said most of that overspending went toward establishing the county's own ambulance service.

SPARTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Commissioners are holding another round of hearings on a proposed millage rate increase that would raise property taxes by more than 28 percent over the rollback millage rate.

Under state law, counties are required to hold three public hearings if the proposed millage rate is higher than the suggested rollback rate.

According to a Hancock County Commission Member, local newspaper the “Sparta Ishmaelite” misprinted notices about those hearings, forcing the county to hold a redo.

In the first hearing this morning, commissioners told residents the increase is necessary, since the county went more than one million dollars over budget last fiscal year.

Hancock County Commissioners Board District 3 Ted Reid, said most of that overspending went toward establishing the county’s own ambulance service.

A second hearing is happening at 6 tonight with the third set for September 25th ahead of a commission vote on approval.

They’re proposing to raise, the millage rate to 22.626.

This would require an increase of property taxes over the rollback rate by 28.47%.

The next public hearing is tonight at 6 p.m.

The final one is next Wednesday, September 25 at 5 p.m., just before the vote for approval.