ROSWELL, Ga. — A packed Roswell town hall turned heated Wednesday night as residents pressed the mayor over a proposed property tax increase that city leaders say is needed to pay for roads, public safety equipment and other major expenses.
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Mayor Mary Robichaux acknowledged the impact directly.
“Yes it’s a tax increase no one wants that but I don’t think it’s realistic to keep going as we are,” Robichaux told residents.
City leaders are considering a 5.9 millage rate. That is lower than the rate initially proposed, but it would still mean a property tax increase for homeowners.
The city says it has more than $18 million in capital needs, including road resurfacing, city buildings, vehicles and public safety equipment.
The proposed list includes $3 million for road resurfacing alone.
Robichaux told residents the city has to find a way to pay for those projects if people expect roads and other infrastructure to be maintained.
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But some residents questioned how city leaders arrived at the proposed 5.9 millage rate.
Gay Maloney, a Roswell resident and Realtor, said she asked city leaders how that figure was determined.
“We said where did you come up with this figure I don’t know the other council member person proposed it are you serious? It’s based on one persons assessment,” Maloney said.
Maloney also raised concerns that higher property taxes could make Roswell less attractive to potential homebuyers.
The 5.9 millage rate is not final.
Residents will have another opportunity to weigh in during a public hearing Monday, September 21 at 6 p.m.
Roswell City Council is scheduled to take a final vote on the millage rate September 28.
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