Friday, October 4, 2002

Tax hike passes for Fairburn

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

Fairburn's residents will be absorbing a tax hike this year to fund the city's services.

During Monday night's City Council meeting, this year's $13.1 million budget was passed. The budget requires a 33 percent tax hike, from 4.5 mils to 6 mils.

Property owners with a $100,000 home can expect a $60 yearly increase in their property tax bills, while owners of a $200,000 home will see a $120 increase.

Additionally, the city's water rates will also increase. For the first 2,000 gallons of usage, the rate increases from $11 to $15. For each additional thousand gallons of use, the rate jumps from $2.48 per thousand to $2.73.

The final part of balancing this year's budget is taking $150,000 from the reserve fund.

City administrator Jim Williams said the increase in this year's budget is due to bonds on the city's water treatment facility and an expansion of cable operations.