Roswell Pulls Back Property Tax Proposal, but Higher Rate Remains on Table

Roswell’s proposed property tax increase has gotten considerably smaller, but homeowners still could see a higher city tax rate this year.

The Roswell City Council voted 4-2 Monday to move forward with a tentative rate of 5.9 mills, retreating from an earlier proposal of 7.732 mills. The new figure is not final. Another public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 21, with the council expected to adopt the 2026 rate Sept. 28.

The change follows a lengthy first reading Monday and comes as the city continues a series of public meetings over how much additional revenue Roswell needs for roads, public safety, aging facilities and other expenses. Residents had another opportunity to question city officials Wednesday evening during a property-tax town hall at Eagles Nest Church on Holcomb Bridge Road.

For homeowners trying to translate the debate into their own household budgets, the important number has now shifted from 7.732 to 5.9.

What 5.9 mills could mean for a Roswell homeowner

Roswell’s 2025 millage rate is 4.949 mills. Moving to 5.9 would represent an increase of about 19% in the city’s tax rate, although the change in an individual homeowner’s bill would depend on assessed value and applicable exemptions.

Georgia property taxes generally use an assessed value equal to 40% of fair market value. Roswell offers an example of a $575,000 home with an assessed value of $230,000. At the current 4.949-mill rate, the city says that property would generate about $1,138 in Roswell property taxes before applicable exemptions.

At 5.9 mills, the same $230,000 assessed value would produce a city tax of about $1,357, or roughly $219 more before exemptions.

That is substantially less than the approximately $1,778 the same assessed value would produce at the initially advertised 7.732 mills.

The comparison applies only to the Roswell portion of the property-tax bill. City taxes account for about 16% of a typical Roswell resident’s overall property-tax bill, according to the city, with Fulton County and Fulton County Schools collecting the remainder.

How Roswell got from 7.732 to 5.9

The city initially advertised a maximum proposed rate of 7.732 mills, up from 4.949 mills last year. The original proposal included 6.549 mills for maintenance and operations and 1.183 mills for debt service associated with Roswell’s voter-approved bond program.

City officials have said additional revenue is needed for road resurfacing and other transportation work, aging facilities and equipment, deferred maintenance and public-safety needs. The debt-service portion supports repayment of the 2022 bond program, which has funded projects including the new public safety headquarters, E-911 center, downtown parking deck and parks and connectivity projects.

But 7.732 mills did not survive its first City Council vote.

Councilmember Jennifer Phillippi proposed moving forward at 5.9 mills. Councilmembers Phillippi, Sarah Beeson, Eren Brumley and Chris Zack supported the motion, while Christine Hall and Allen Sells voted against it. The 4-2 vote allows the tax process to continue at the lower tentative figure.

It does not guarantee that 5.9 mills will be the final number.

The decision is still two meetings away

Roswell residents have two important dates remaining. The city will hold a special public hearing on the millage rate at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, in the City Council Chambers at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street. The second reading and expected adoption are scheduled for the regular council meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28.

The council sets Roswell’s millage rate, meaning the final figure can still change before adoption.

Property-tax bills are expected to be mailed in mid-October after the rate is adopted, with payment generally due 60 days after mailing. The city says existing homestead, senior and other approved exemptions will be reflected automatically on tax bills.

For now, Roswell homeowners have a narrower range to watch. The 7.732-mill proposal that opened the debate is no longer the rate advancing through City Council. The working number is 5.9 mills, and the final decision is scheduled for Sept. 28.