Fayette County to talk about raising taxes, have your say

Edit 10/12/25: The Citizen conferred with Peachtree City Mayor Kim Learnard and found out that while this proposed tax increase impacts most of Fayette County, it will not impact Peachtree City, provided the only increase determined in the work sessions is in EMS. Peachtree City manages its own EMS services, and Fayette County taxes for that are not assessed to Peachtree City residents. It will impact Fayetteville, Tyrone, Brooks, Inman, Woolsey and unincorporated Fayette County. 

Fayette County residents will have two opportunities thisweek to weigh in on a proposed change to the county’s 2025 property tax millage rates.

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners will hold Special Called Public Hearings on Thursday, October 16, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room at the Fayette County Administrative Complex, 140 Stonewall Avenue West in Fayetteville. A final vote is planned after a third hearing on Thursday, October 23, at 5 p.m.

Proposed millage rate changes

According to the county’s finance department, the proposed 2025 rates include adjustments across several service categories:

– General Fund (Maintenance & Operations): 3.763 mills — no change  
– Fire Services: 2.820 mills — decrease of 0.25 mills (-8.14%)  
– EMS Services: 1.000 mill — increase of 0.50 mills (+100%)  
– E-911 Services: 0.210 mill — no change  

The overall package is designed to support essential county operations while addressing shifts in service demand. Fayette County Chief Financial Officer Sheryl Weinmann noted in the agenda that county staff will recommend adopting Resolution 2025-08 to establish the final 2025 property tax millage rates after the third hearing.

Why the change matters

Each year, the Board sets millage rates to fund public safety, infrastructure, and community services. This year’s plan includes a substantial increase for EMS services, which county officials say is needed to maintain staffing levels and emergency response readiness.

“The County Commission welcomes residents’ feedback before finalizing the rates,” said County Clerk Tameca P. Smith in the public notice. “All hearings are open to the public, and participation is encouraged.”

Where and how to participate

Both hearings on October 16 are open to all Fayette County residents, with public comment opportunities at each session. Those unable to attend in person can access meeting materials and livestreams through the county website at www.fayettecountyga.gov.

What’s next

Following the final hearing on October 23, commissioners will deliberate and vote on adopting the 2025 millage rate resolution. Any approved changes will appear on property tax bills later this year.