Buford will hold three public hearings on property tax increase

The Buford Board of Commissioners plans to increase the 2016 property taxes by 4.84 percent over the rollback millage rate.

Recent increases in the fair market value of real estate have resulted in higher tax assessments. Georgia law requires a rollback millage rate must be computed that will keep property owner’s tax bills stable. The city is required by state law to advertise a tax increase when not adopting the rollback millage rate.

Before the Buford Board of Commissioners may finalize the tentative budget and set a final millage rate, three public hearings are required to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on the increase.