The Fulton County government is taking out a short-term loan with an interest rate so low it's setting a statewide record, Finance Director Patrick O'Connor said.

The county commission voted unanimously Wednesday to issue $120 million in tax anticipation notes -- a loan taken out each year to bridge a cash flow gap until property taxes are collected -- with a 0.181326 percent interest rate through Bank of America. The county will save $1.27 million in interest payments compared to what was budgeted, according to a news release.

O'Connor said it's the lowest interest rate received by any county or city in state history.

"That's about as close to free money as I think you can get," commission Vice Chair Emma Darnell said.

Bank of America was the lowest of nine bidders who sought to handle the loan. The $120 million must be paid back by Dec. 31, and property taxes should be due in mid-November.

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Peggy Harris (foreground) stocks the shelves at Sandy's IGA, which is the only grocery store in town, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Sparta. Hancock County has one of the highest rates of childhood food insecurity in the country. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC