Fulton won't hike tax rate

Facing an onslaught of opposition from residents, Fulton County commissioners have unanimously rejected a 5 percent tax rate increase this year.

Finance managers proposed a 0.51-millage rate increase to generate $17 million and help make up for a shortfall, but commissioners said they would rather tighten the budget. Commissioner Bill Edwards suggested reducing funding for Grady Memorial Hospital.

The proposed increase would have translated to an extra $36 in tax on a $250,000 home with a homestead exemption. It would have affected taxpayers countywide, from Palmetto to Milton.