Baldwin council approves FY26 fee schedule, holds five hearings on a millage rate increase

In March 2025, the city council was presented a Fiscal Year 2026 fee schedule listing a 9.170 mills millage rate along with charges for alcohol licensing, permits and zoning actions. The council voted 4-1 to approve the Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026 as presented.

In May, the council approved a revised version of the FY26 fee schedule, adding new charges including a Returned Item fee, a New Driveway Permit fee and a Utility Encroachment fee, by a 4-0 vote.

Starting in September, the council turned to setting the actual 2025 property tax millage rate, opening a series of public hearings and reviewing options for the Habersham County and Banks County portions of the city ranging from 9.170 mills up to 12.045 mills.

By its October 16 meeting, the council had reached its fourth and fifth scheduled hearings and taken up a draft resolution setting the 2025 city millage rate at 11.990 mills for the Habersham County portion and 7.720 mills for the Banks County portion, described in the packet as increases of 37.64% and 42.30%. No record of a council vote adopting the resolution is included.