DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. - Douglas County commissioners and administrators faced strong criticism Monday during the first public hearing on a proposed property tax hike.

What we know:

The county administration is recommending a 31% millage rate increase for 2025. The proposal follows three straight years of a frozen millage rate starting in 2020, and rollbacks in each of the past two years.

"Year over year there are some increases. When we approve, particularly, capital improvements, over two or three years, those costs go up. We may not budget for it that particular year," said Commissioner Martin Raxton.

Even though county reports show Douglas County is not running a deficit and has no long-term outstanding debt, speaker after speaker urged leaders to reject the increase.

"We care what

See Full Page