By Robb Pitts, Fulton County Commission Chairman

Every year around this time, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners faces a critical decision: setting the millage rate that ultimately determines how much residents pay in property taxes.

Let me be clear. At the June 18, 2025, County Commission meeting, I voted against raising the millage rate from the current 8.87 mils to up to 9.87 mils. This proposed increase is excessive and places an unfair burden on all residents, especially our seniors.

Even if the county maintains the millage rate at 8.87, many property owners will see a tax increase, because property values have risen over the past year. Raising the millage rate on top of that would be a double whammy — higher values and higher rates — compounding the financial pressure on many households.

Raising taxes in today’s economic climate is both unwise and unjust. Inflation and global factors like tariffs are already driving up the cost of essentials — food, housing, healthcare and more – forcing people to watch every dollar they spend.

Seniors are particularly vulnerable, as many live on fixed incomes from Social Security, pensions or modest retirement savings. Increasing their tax burden may force them to make painful choices between paying for medicine, rent/mortgage, food and other basic needs.

Hitting our seniors with higher taxes clearly sends the wrong message about how we value their lifelong contributions and sacrifices. It also risks pushing more seniors into poverty and increasing demand on social safety nets, even as those programs brace for expected cuts from Washington.

While I worry about our seniors’ financial future, I am well aware many young adults are struggling too. Although some may be advancing in their careers, they’re not immune to the steep and growing costs of groceries, gas, and housing. Raising their taxes now will only add to the hurdles they must overcome to succeed.

Fulton County is operating effectively under the current 8.87 millage rate. We’ve tightened our belt while continuing to deliver — and in some cases expand — essential services.

As we debate the appropriate millage rate this year, we must think of the future. Fulton County is preparing for major investments, including a new hospital and a senior facility in South Fulton. We must also meet the compliance requirements of the DOJ consent order.

These are essential projects that will carry hefty price tags. Unfortunately, when the time comes, we may have to consider a tax increase but doing so prematurely — without clear necessity — simply layers more burden on residents who are financially struggling.

In short, raising taxes during a time of economic uncertainty erodes public trust in government. Forcing our residents to pay more – especially our seniors – is not just bad policy, it is counterproductive and downright unfair.

Be assured, as Chairman of the Fulton County Commission, I will continue to stand up for fiscal responsibility and fight for our taxpayers. On this issue, I will just say NO.