Pooler to decide millage rate tonight | savannahnow.com

While the Savannah-Chatham County school board and county commission have moved to raise taxes in recent weeks, Pooler officials are leaning toward lowering the city’s 2013 millage rate.

Some city council members have been outspoken about giving taxpayers a break and there appears to be consensus on lowering the millage rate. So tonight’s vote, then, comes down to how much property tax relief residents will receive.

The current millage rate is 4.635, and a proposal from city staff would lower it by .385 mills to 4.25, enough to generate $4.4 million in revenue. It takes into account additional local-option sales tax revenue the city expects to receive. The city’s tax digest also has increased substantially.

For comparison, keeping the millage rate at its current level would generate an estimated 8.3 percent more, or $4.8 million. A millage rate of 4 mills, which would generate about $4.1 million, is also on the table.

“I believe the city manager made the point at the city retreat that the city could take the millage rate to 4.25, and I believe council will go with that rate,” said Councilman Steve Wall, who has been vocal on the issue.

via Pooler to decide millage rate tonight | savannahnow.com.