DEMOREST — The Demorest City Council will hold its final public hearing Thursday at 6 p.m. on the city’s proposed 2026 budget and tentative millage rate, which includes an 8.6 percent property tax increase over the rollback rate.
The hearing and special called meeting will take place at the Demorest Municipal Conference Center, 250 Alabama Street. Following the hearing, the council is expected to consider formal adoption of both the 2026 budget and the 2025 millage rate.
City officials have tentatively set the millage rate at 7.16 mills, up from the rollback rate of 6.593 mills, an increase of 0.567 mills. The proposed change equals about $28.35 more in annual taxes for a homestead property valued at $175,000, and roughly $39.69 for a non-homestead property of the same value.
According to city documents, the 2026 budget outlines annual operating and capital expenditures for departments including public safety, utilities, and public works. Thursday’s hearing will give residents a chance to provide written or verbal feedback before the council votes.
No residents spoke during the last public hearing held earlier this month, though city leaders said the proposed rate increase is needed to maintain essential services and address higher operating costs.
