RICHMOND HILL, Ga. () – The Richmond Hill City Council took the step of reducing the current millage rate, following a prior announcement of a proposed increase in property taxes.

After several public hearings, city council opted not to keep the millage rate at the same level as years past at a meeting Tuesday.

“Owning a home here is my dream, but with costs climbing and fewer affordable options, it seems unattainable,” expressed a Richmond Hill resident during the public comment session. “Increased property taxes impact not just homeowners but drive rents up, making housing even more inaccessible for families like mine.”

Local residents led the charge to convince the council to lower the rate, with some attributing their advocacy to what they identified as financial mismanagement.

“Residents question why they’re paying more for less,” said Corey Foreman, a candidate for Georgia’s state Senate District 1, moments before the council’s decision. “Funds are tied up in unutilized land and idle constructions rather than in resolving issues like neighborhood flooding and traffic congestion.”

According to Georgia law, municipalities have to hold public hearings if they have plans to keep the millage rate the same or increase it yearly.

Originally, the city announced its intention to keep the millage rate at 4.132, which would have meant a property tax increase of almost 4%.

However, after a series of public hearings, council opted to take the rollback rate of 3.981.

“Our objective extends beyond mere statistics. It’s about responsibly managing taxpayer money. We’ve taken preemptive measures in our budgeting to offer taxpayers immediate relief, while still sustaining essential services,” commented Russ Carpenter, the Mayor of Richmond Hill.