Macon-Bibb commission approves property tax increase

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb Commissioners voted to approve the millage rate by 3 mills. They voted 5-3 in favor of the increase in a special called meeting Friday night.

Before the meeting, commissioners held a third and final public hearing for residents to express their concerns. Most of the people in attendance were against the county increasing taxes on property owners. Some even brought signs to the meeting reading “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! VOTE NO NO NEW TAXES”.

Commissioner Al Tillman voted in favor of the increase only if it’s temporary and one other condition.

“(If) we start promoting and OLOST which is a Operation Local Option Sales Tax,” saif Tillman. “Which would raise the total tax by 1 cent to the entire county.”

Tillman says he wants to get the word out about it and hopefully put it on the ballot next year.

If the commission voted no on the increase, they would have had to figure out how to cut $12 million from budget.