Chickamauga will keep property tax rate of zero

CHICKAMAUGA — Property taxes are a thing of the past — so 20th century — for the city of Chickamauga.

In 2000, property taxes were eliminated for residents, and last week its city council voted to continue this millennium’s norm and collect only school taxes in the coming year.

When presenting the proposed 0.0 millage rate to the council, City Manager Micheal Haney said residents have saved more than $6.4 million over the past 16 years based on the 3.46 mills charged in 2000.

The local government maintains more than 20 buildings, a water tower, pump stations, 29 miles of roads and hundreds of miles of utility lines — all without ad valorem taxes.

Haney also reminded those attending the Sept. 5 council meeting that Chickamauga provides garbage, brush and trash pickup without paying supplements from the general fund, while its water and sewerage rates are the region’s lowest.

Residents are required to support the city’s schools — Chickamauga Elementary, Gordon-Lee Middle and High schools — via property taxes. But even then, the rate of 14.25 mills is lower than most. Walker County schools set a millage rate of 16.62 mills and Catoosa County has a millage rate of 18.69.

The school tax was adjusted upward last year, as it was found the city must have a rate of at least 14 mills to qualify for state funds. This year’s collection is expected to generate about $1.53 million, an amount that will be matched by about $1 million of state funds.

Mike O’Neal, Catoosa County News