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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Atlanta art and antiques appraiser and auctioneer Allan Baitcher (right) takes bids during a 2020 auction. Baitcher and his company, Peachtree Antiques, are being sued by a Florida multimillionaire who says he paid them $20 million for fakes. (AJC 2020)

Credit: Phil Skinner / Staff