City proposes keeping millage rate at 4.806

According to city documents, Dacula’s mayor and council “have carried out a deliberate strategy over the last several years to keep city taxes low without negatively impacting the quality of the city services provided to its citizens.”

The city is proposing the adoption of a 4.806 millage rate, which is the same as last year. The tentatively adopted millage rate will require an increase in property taxes by 3.04% based on increasing property values.

Citizens are invited to two public hearings on this proposed millage rate at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. June 25 at City Hall, 442 Harbins Road. The third and final public hearing will take place at 6:30 p.m. July 2. Dacula will set the 2020 millage rate at 7 p.m. July 2.

If approved, a millage rate of 4.806 mills could result in a tax increase of approximately $8.52 for a home with a fair market value of $150,000, and a tax increase of approximately $17.04 for a nonhomesteaded property with a fair market value of $300,000. These numbers are an estimate and based on an average of homes in the Dacula area. recently approved an updated version of the Council Code of Conduct. The 8-point code commits to “listening to each other objectively and openly.”

The council agrees to communicate clearly without misunderstanding and to be informed prior to their discussions and decisions. The additional five statements include:

■ We will disagree with passion and respect.

■ We will stay focused on the overall and long range good of the city.

■ We will take our action, lay aside our differences and move forward.

■ We will support the actions of the council even though we may continue to disagree.

■ We will seek to build a culture of trust.