Johns Creek and businesses will see higher property taxes.

The City Council voted 3-2 to keep the millage rate at 4.614, which is unchanged since the city’s formation in 2006. Proponents of a rollback argued that the city needs to become more streamlined in its cost control and that money should be given back to property-owners, while proponents including Mayor Mike Bodker said additional revenue was needed because of such factors as population growth, higher healthcare costs and the need to relieve traffic congestion and make capital investments.

The vote followed word that the city’s tax digest increased about 8.3 percent for fiscal 2015 due to both re-assessments and new growth, which is expected to yield about $1.3 million more in property tax revenue.

During a public hearing, two speakers asked for a rollback, saying that tax increases this year and last have led to an additional burden on property owners.

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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