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Qualifying is Aug. 18-22 for municipal elections By CARL APPEN carl@appenmedia.com
SCREENSHOT
Forsyth County commissioners discuss 2025’s millage rate, which was set at 7.896 mills for the fifth year in a row.
County holds tax rate steady By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — For the fifth consecutive year, the Forsyth County Commission has voted to maintain the tax rate on property at 7.896 mills. Under state law, the action counts as a tax increase, because the levy will generate more revenue than last year. Homestead exempted properties should see little or no tax increase. Much of the new revenue will be
from new construction and reassessments on existing properties. Commercial properties do not receive homestead exemptions. One mill brings in $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which by state law, is 40 percent of a property’s real – or fair market – value. A home worth $100,000 on the market would have a taxable value of $40,000, and a levy of 1 mill would cost the property owner $40 in taxes.
See RATE, Page 3
NORTH METRO ATLANTA — The window for residents wishing to seek public office to file paperwork and pay a fee to officially enter the race opens Aug. 18. While the state prescribes a general date window for qualification, cities determine days times, costs and eligibility standards. The requirements differ slightly from city to city. Generally, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, have lived in the commission or council district for at least one year before qualifying, and be a qualified elector. For seats that represent specific districts, candidates must live in the district they seek to represent. Here are the seats up for election in cities we cover and their qualifying details:
• Cumming mayor, City Council Posts 1 and 2, which are both at-large - Qualifying for these races will be Aug. 18 to 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - The qualifying fee is $360 for mayor,
and is $180 for council members. - For more information, visit www.cityofcumming.net/electioninformation
• Johns Creek mayor, City Council
Posts 1, 2 and 3 - Qualifying for these races will be Aug. 18 to 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - The qualifying fee is $750 for mayor, and is $450 for council seats. - For more information, visit johnscreekga.gov/departments/city-clerk/ municipal-elections/
• Milton mayor and three Post 1 seats
on the City Council. - Qualifying for these races will be Aug. 18 to 22, from 8:30 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - The qualifying fee is $894 for mayor, and is $594 for council seats. - For more information, visit www. miltonga.gov/government/elections/ qualifying-period/
See ELECTIONS, Page 13
ELECTIONS Appen Media will closely follow the November elections and aims to help readers cast educated votes. What’s on your mind as you head to the ballot box? Send questions and ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
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