In a surprising decision last

week, the Fayette County Commission decided to lower the millage rate

for the county's property owners.

Usually, millage decisions

are done in September when the final tax digest is completed, but the

county's finance director Mark Pulliam said the County Commission wanted

this done now.

"During the budget process,

the commission wanted to see if this was possible," he said.

Pulliam believes the rate can

be lowered by at least .46 mills, and possibly more, and still fund this

year's budget.

The county's property values

rose because of reassessments, but Pulliam said the rate will be rollbacked

and reflect only the natural growth of the county.

Last year, the millage rate

was 6.64 for the unincorporated county and 7.59 mills for incorporated

residents.

Pulliam said homeowners with

a $200,000 home should see their property tax lowered by at least $30

this year.

The County Commission was thrilled

to hear Pulliam's report, but Commissioner Herb Frady wondered why the

county was doing this now, instead of waiting for the final tax digest

figures.

"I've said we need to

live off of our natural growth for years," he said.

The County Commission voted

unanimously to lower the rate.

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