City Proposes Millage Rate Rollback 

For the first time in 12 years, the City of Moultrie is proposing a millage rate rollback. The “rollback rate” term applies to the property tax rates as it changes year to year, in relations to property values.

Tuesday evening, City Council approved the 2nd of three readings for the proposed FY2017-2018 budget which includes rolling back the millage rate from 12.818 mills to 9.935 mills.
A portion of the rollback comes from the shift of the Recreation Department to the Recreation Authority and the Economic Development Authority which will be placed on this year’s property tax bills. Another portion of the reduction is the result of Emergency 911 becoming a countywide function instead of being funded by both city and county. The E911 transition is part of the Governmental Service Delivery Strategy to minimize any duplication among local governments and authorities providing local services. The 3rd and final vote to approve the FY2017-2018 City budget is expected to take place Tuesday, September 19th.

According to City Manager Pete Dillard, the City budget is financially sound. “We have reduced cost across the board,” he said. Dillard is optimistic about the possibility of another tax cut in future years.

“To cut taxes at the same time as we increase our bond rating from A to A+ is tremendous,” said Dillard. “Increasing the bond rating means the bond holding agencies look at us as a better credit risk and as a more financially responsible organization even with reduced taxes.”

The proposed FY2017-2018 City budget totals $51,114,283, down $7,719,166 from the FY2016-2017 budget of $58,833,449. According to City Finance Director Gary McDaniel, “A large portion of the reduction is the result of the broadband and telecommunications now being operated through the South Georgia Governmental Services Authority of which Moultrie is part owner.” McDaniel says the City’s Recreation Department moving to a Recreation Authority also assisted in the budget reduction.

Health insurance also helped to reduce the proposed budget this year. “Our present health insurance cost including claims is a million dollars less than the previous year,” said McDaniel.

For more details on the FY2017 millage rate, contact City Manager, Pete Dillard at 985-1974 or pete.dillard@moultriega.com.

Below is the history of the City Millage rate by year:

• 2017 – 9.935 – Proposed – awaiting council approval.
• 2016 – 12.818
• 2015 – 12.818
• 2014 – 12.818
• 2013 – 10.968
• 2012 – 10.904
• 2011 – 10.904
• 2010 – 10.904
• 2009 – 10.902
• 2008 – 10.902
• 2007 – 10.902
• 2006 – 11.250
• 2005 – 8.553
• 2004 – 8.791
• 2003 – 9.004
• 2002 – 9.040
• 2001 – 9.110