Clayton County Board of Commissioners Special Called Meeting - February 12, 2026

The Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting on February 12, 2026, to adopt the fiscal year 2025-2026 millage rates for the county and the school district, with a full rollback resulting in no property tax increase. The meeting also included public comments, discussion on fund balance and revenue diversification, and an executive session leading to the acceptance of the clerk's resignation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Shelley Hallowell (Clayton County resident): Expressed gratitude to the board for rolling back the millage rate, noting that her city had raised rates and residents had to fight it. She thanked commissioners for considering residents' economic hardships.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 2025-182 – County Millage Rate Rollback: The finance director introduced the resolution to establish the net mill rates after credit (rollback) for values added by reassessment for FY2025-2026. The chairwoman confirmed the millage rate is not an increase, though individual property taxes may rise if property values increase.
  • Commissioner Allen asked about the fund balance (reported ~$86 million as of the prior Tuesday) and when the county could reach a $104 million target. The finance director explained that property tax revenues arrive mostly in November/December and that fund balance automatically increases when expenses are less than revenues.
  • Commissioner Reeves questioned whether expenses have been exceeding revenues in recent years and noted that after the 2023 rollback, the 2024 full millage rate tripled the net tax revenue (from $1.7 million to $49.8 million). He asked what would prevent a similar spike next year and stressed that without cutting expenses, a property tax increase may be necessary.
  • The chairwoman emphasized the need for diversified revenue streams (e.g., attracting businesses like Trader Joe’s) to grow the fund balance. The county manager suggested a reprioritization of services and potential cuts to address funding needs.
  • The resolution passed unanimously.
• Resolution 2025-183 – School District Millage Rate: Acknowledged receipt of the school board's certified net mill rate after rollback for FY2025-2026. The board confirmed it was simply approving what the school board had already adopted. The resolution passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2025-182 (County millage rate rollback) approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2025-183 (School district millage rate acknowledgement) approved unanimously.
• Executive Session: Held for personnel matters. Upon reconvening, the board accepted the clerk's resignation effective immediately and authorized the HR director to effectuate the resignation per civil service rules. Motion passed unanimously.
• Meeting adjourned at 10:31 a.m.