Milton's Property Taxes & Millage Rate

Milton Roundup

August 16th-Council Wrap-up

Meetings & Agendas

Milton's Property Taxes & Millage Rate

The City of Milton staff provided a valuable presentation regarding property taxes which helped to dispel some of the misinformation that has been circulating.  Click here to read more about the tax assessment process of Fulton County, the affirmed millage rate of 4.731 and the timing of the tax bills you will be receiving, one from Fulton County and one from the City of Milton.

The current millage rate of 4.731 is consistent with the City of Milton Charter and applies to last years budget.  The City of Milton is in process of affirming the 4.731 millage rate relative to last years budget. The reason for the timing difference is that Milton has to wait for a certified tax digest before approving the millage rate.

According to the Fulton County Tax Assessors office 82.3% of property in Milton was re-assessed. The result is certain properties experienced an increase in value and, therefore some residents may have seen their tax bills go up due to the re-assessment. Please note, the assessments are conducted by Fulton County not the City of Milton.

Also worth noting, is that Fulton County decided to roll back its millage rate to 4.614 before Milton's incorporation. The proposed millage rate of 4.731, however, is consistent with the Charter millage rate and is what was used for the 2007 budget.  "We could have rolled back the millage rate," said Mayor Joe Lockwood after his presentation.  "But we have to build our (state mandated 16%) reserves. If we rolled back, it would only be a savings of about $15 per household." Wright, J., Milton Herald, 2007, August 22. And remember last years budget included first year expenses to bring on our Public Safety Department including both the Fire and Police departments. 

There are two more public meetings on the millage rate scheduled for next Thursday, August 23 at 5:30pm and at 7:30pm.  I want to ensure you have accurate information regarding your taxes and hope the information below is helpful to you.  And, if you have specific questions about your assessment, the phone number for the Fulton County Tax Assessor's office is 404-730-6100, and for City of Milton tax questions, feel free to call the Milton Tax Department at 678-242-2500.  I also encourage you to attend and participate in next week's public hearings and work session.

Milton Roundup-Birthday Celebration

August 16th-Council Meeting Wrap up

The August 16th council meeting was the first meeting whereby we had virtually standing room only.  It was a wonderful display of broad based community interest and involvement.  There were some citizens there for the first time - thanks to those who made the effort to get involved.  I encourage and urge each of you to make the commitment to be a little more involved in the local decisions facing the city.  Community voice is more important now than ever.

Below is a recap of the land use decisions heard on August 16th:

RZ07-005 & VC07-002@855 Mayfield Road
Deferred for 4 months, Vote 6-1
To rezone from AG-1 to MIX to develop a total of 15,000 sq.ft. of medical office; 3,500 sq.ft of commercial; and 9 residential units (Based on revised site plan submitted on 7/12/07). Request to reduce the 75-foot buffer and 10-foot improvement setback to a 15-foot landscape strip adjacent to AG-1 by Milton Medical Holdings, LLC c/o Jay Davis.

I supported the recommendation of staff and the Planning Commission to deny this case as it did not meet the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.  The densities proposed exceed the allowable 100,000 sq. ft. of commercial and 100,000 sq. ft. office.  The applicant also requested multiple variances.

RZ07-008@15260 Hopewell Road-Withdrawn
Vote 6-1
To rezone from AG-1 to C-1 the existing 1,179 square foot structure.

I did not support the withdrawal given the case had gone through the public hearing process and the underlying rezoning request was in conflict with the Comprehensive Land Use plan.  A denial of the case would have provided an opportunity to reaffirm the policies of the area while also ensuring an applicant could not come back with a similar request for one year.  A withdrawal, by contrast, does not impose any timeframe under which an applicant can come back with a similar rezoning request.

RZ07-009 & UP07-002 & VC07-006@3455 Morris Road
Request for Montessori School-Approved, Vote 7-0
Concurrent variance to decrease buffer-Denied, Vote 7-0
To develop a 9,500 square foot Montessori School and a concurrent variance to decrease the 20-foot landscape strip to 10 feet along Webb Road.

I put forth the motion to approve the school, but to deny the concurrent variances.  The land is already zoned for this use, but the variances would have negated important buffer requirements.

UP07-001 & VC07-004@15386 Birmingham Hwy
Use permit & Variance-Approved with Conditions
Vote 5-2
To request a Use Permit for a landscaping business (Article 19.4.27) to use an existing 1,200 sq. ft. home and a 500 sq. ft. barn and to develop a 3,750 sq. ft. barn. The applicant is also requesting a concurrent variance to reduce the 50-foot buffer and 10-foot improvement setback to a 25 foot buffer and 10-foot improvement setback along the east and west property lines (Article 12H.3.5.C.1.)

I voted to deny this case given the requested use permit requires certain development and buffer standards which could not be met on this specific parcel.  No hardship exists and the Design Review Board also recommended denial of the requests for buffer variances.  While certain uses are permitted on AG-1 land, I believe strongly that the underlaying development standards need to be upheld.  In other words, not every parcel of AG-1 land is suitable for certain uses.  And in this case, the buffer and development standards could not be met. The August 22nd Milton Herald reports, "Councilwomen Tina D'Aversa and Julie Zahner Bailey opposed, stating concerns the property could later be used for other businesses." Wright, J., Milton Herald, 2007, August 22.  Both D'Aversa and Zahner Bailey stated concerns about the buffer variances and the importance of upholding the development standards of use permits.

ZM07-002@295 Crooked Stick Drive-Approved
Vote 7-0
To modify zoning conditions 1.d and 1.e to allow a pool house to encroach into required rear and side property lines.

This was approved due to the adjoining neighbors being in agreement that this was a reasonable solution given the six year history of this pool house being across the property line.  It was made clear for the record that this was approved specific to the site and this situation only.  I had asked staff in advance of the vote to verify whether the poolhouse could be rebuilt within the 25 ft. buffers to ensure compliance with all the setbacks.  The response was that the topography and rocky foundation did not allow for the shift of the 6 year old poolhouse that far interior to the property.

Calendar of Events and Meetings

Wednesday, August 22-Planning Commission Briefing 6PM, Agenda

Wednesday, August 22-CZIM 7PM, Details

Thursday, August 23-City Council Special Called Meeting 5:30PM, Agenda, Public Hearing and Reading of Millage Rate.

Thursday, August 23-Special Called Work Session, immediately following the Special Called Meeting, Agenda, Budget for General Fund and Capital Improvement Fund Fiscal Year 2008.

Thursday, August 23-2nd Special Called Meeting, immediately following the Special Called Work Session, Agenda

Monday, August 27-Town Hall Meeting 7PM-Community Services

Tuesday, August 28-Planning Commission Meeting 7PM

Wednesday, August 29 Disability Awareness Committee 6:30PM

Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at Milton City Hall,
13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107, Milton, GA 30004.

In Closing...

I hope you find this information helpful.  I believe in helping to ensure all citizens of Milton are apprised of the facts, what is transpiring locally in your community and encouraging your involvement on all issues.  Many citizens have asked for the non-emergency number for police, 404-730-7911.

Again, thank you for your support and your input.  Let me hear from you regarding any questions or comments.  I consider it an honor to represent you and I do take my responsibilities seriously.  I serve as a Council person for no other reason than to ensure your interests and desires for this place you call home are upheld and protected.  For me, my public service is all about stewardship for the area.

Every voice matters so please stay involved and engaged.

Thank you for caring about our community.

Take care,







Julie Zahner Bailey
Milton City Council
770-664-5529 (home)
404-310-6344 (cell)

No City of Milton funds were used for this newsletter.
Paid for by Friends of Julie Zahner Bailey

Join us for our annual River's Alive event. Saturday, October 27th
Bailey Farm & Gardens
8:30am-Noon
255 Hickory Flat Road

Rivers Alive is Georgia's annual volunteer waterway cleanup event that targets all waterways in the State including streams, rivers, lakes, beaches, and wetlands. The mission of Rivers Alive is to create awareness of and involvement in the preservation of Georgia's water resources.

  Participants will receive a free Rivers Alive T-shirt or patch.


Zahner Bailey enjoyes helping children learn about the environment!

Fun, Environmental Education Activities include:

• Hands-on, educational programs presented by wetland experts
• We'll clean-up Little River and other local waterways in an effort to keep Milton's waterways clean- Bring your waders and rubber boots!
• Puppet Show presented featuring "Dr. Rotten and the Evil Planet Polluters"
• Firefighters on hand for "Touch a Truck" & Fire Safety activities
• Environscape demonstration for non-point source pollution education
• Best Practices Septic Tank Maintenance Exhibit
• Adopt a Stream Information and Displays including storm drain stenciling and more.

This hands-on environmental education opportunity will teach young and old alike about the importance of taking care of our local wetlands and waterways.

For questions or to confirm your involvement in the clean-up, please call Julie Zahner Bailey at 404-310-6344 or Bill Bailey at 770-364-1239 or email
Baileyfarmandgardens@mindspring.com
While RSVP's are not necessary, it helps to plan for the event.

Thank you for your on-going support and your consideration of a financial contribution to the Friends of Julie Zahner Bailey.

Please consider routing this email release to your friends, neighbors and HOA in an effort to help keep everyone engaged and involved in all the issues facing our community.  Community voice matters now more than ever!

************************
Many citizens have asked for the non-emergency number for police
404-730-7911

Old Soldiers Day Parade

The City of Alpharetta and the American Legion Post 201 held the 55th Annual Old Soldiers Day Parade on Saturday, August 4th.  City of Milton Council Members proudly displayed the Milton spirit.

The Old Soldiers Day Parade began years ago as a tribute to veterans of the war between the states, but was discontinued after a few years.  28 years later, in 1952, a small group of men in Alpharetta re-dedicated Old Soldiers Day Parade in Alpharetta and started having a parade through downtown.  Thanks to these few men and their belief in keeping this memorable tradition alive, this parade has become an annual celebration to all veterans of all wars.

Calling all Gardeners

Milton Garden Club
held the first ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
Milton City Hall
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
7:30 PM

If you would like more information about the Milton Garden Club, call 678-242-2500

WHAT CAN A GARDEN CLUB
DO FOR
OUR COMMUNITY?

Anything you choose, but to name a few:

1.     Promote Environmental Awareness

2.     Address Historic Preservation Issues

3.     Landscape Design for Landmarks in Milton

4.     Gardening and Planting Flowers