City officials received strong financial news this week, as it was announced Milton's tax digest, or total value of all real property in the city, rose 1.14 percent in 2012.

Due to the growth, the city of Milton is legally obligated to hold three public hearings and advertise a property tax increase.

However, the city is not increasing residents' taxes - by law it cannot unless a majority of registered voters choose to increase the millage rate. The increase is due solely to the reassessment of existing real estate, and the millage rate remains at the legally mandated cap of 4.731.

The public hearings, to be held in Council Chambers of Milton's City Hall, are scheduled for:

• Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. - first readings 
• Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. - second reading and vote 

"We want to make sure residents understand the City of Milton is not raising their taxes," said Stacey Inglis, Finance Director for the City of Milton. "As a result of the increased value of property in the city, we must advertise a 'tax increase' - but it is wholly separate from what voters decide at the polls." Inglis said though the total digest rose 1.14 percent, values across the city varied.

The Fulton County Tax Assessors Office reported some rose, while others dropped or remained stagnant. Property tax bills will be sent Sept. 6, and taxes are due back to the city by Nov. 5.

For more information on the tax digest increase, please contact the city of Milton at (678) 242-2500 or info@cityofmiltonga.us.