Local Issues

Dawson County Proposes Millage Rate Increase

August 11, 2026

The Dawson County Board of Commissioners has announced its intent to adopt a property tax millage rate above the calculated rollback rate, resulting in an increase in property taxes. Under Georgia law, when a local government adopts a millage rate that exceeds the rollback rate, it is considered a property tax increase and requires public hearings before final adoption.


County officials have proposed maintaining the county's millage rate at 5.463 mills, which is 0.235 mills above the rollback rate and represents a 4.50% increase over the rollback rate. According to the county, the additional revenue is needed to address rising operating costs while maintaining essential county services. Officials note that the county receives approximately one-third of the property tax bill, with the school system receiving the remaining two-thirds.


For property owners, the proposed increase would add approximately $49.35 annually to the county tax bill for a home with a fair market value of $525,000, while a non-homestead property with a fair market value of $400,000 would see an increase of approximately $37.60.


Georgia law requires three public hearings be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on the increase. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on the tax increase to be held in the Commissioners Meeting room at the Dawson County Courthouse/Administrative Building located at 25 Justice Way, Dawsonville, Georgia. 


The next public hearing will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The County Commission is expected to vote on the proposed millage rate during its regular meeting, which will also be held on August 20 at 6:00 p.m. 


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