Fulton raises tax rate; court battle may follow | www.myajc.com

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved a 17 percent property tax increase, defying a cap imposed last year by state legislators and setting up a possible confrontation in court.

By a 4-3 vote, commissioners approved a tax hike that will generate about $50 million for libraries, courts, social services and other programs. It’s the first time Fulton has raised its countywide tax rate since 1991.

“It means the continuation of services for Grady Hospital, for seniors, for youths,” said Chairman John Eaves, who supported the measure.

But critics say Fulton should be able to balance its budget without raising taxes.

“I don’t think we’ve made enough structural changes to our organization,” said Commissioner Liz Hausmann, who voted against the tax increase.

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