Commissioners, Public Discuss Millage Rate Increase

The  will hear from the public about a proposed millage rate increase that was discussed at the .

The first of three public hearings will be held at the  at 6 p.m. following the 3 p.m. work session.

At the previous meeting, the commissioners said they would advertise a millage increase of up to 15 percent, which the increase on an average-priced home would be $49 a year for residents. This is all because of the anticipation of the $7 million shortfall in the 2012 budget.

The finance director said the county must advertise for the highest number possible, but it could be lower.

The next public hearings will be July 19 and Aug. 2.

Also on the agenda for tonight, Chairman Buzz Ahrens has requested redistricting changes based on the 2010 census. With 72,443 more people in the county since 2000, the commission along with the county's Board of Education is discussing redrawing the posts with the high influx of new residents.

The county attorney is requesting the suspension of Alcoholic Beverage Licenses of three businesses. Bells Ferry Texaco at 5634 Bells Ferry Road and Balla Food Mart at 6742 Bells Ferry Road are both facing a 30-day suspension of their licenses followed by a 12-month probation for selling alcohol to a minor. Justa Bar at 6380 Bells Ferry Road is facing a 21-day suspension followed by a 12-month probation for an Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance violation on May 13.