Austell Approves 158% Property Tax Increase Amid Resident Outcry

On Monday night, the Austell City Council voted 5-1 to raise the city’s property tax rate by an unprecedented 158%, increasing the millage rate from 3.25 to 8.25 mills. This decision will more than double property tax revenue, jumping from approximately $1.46 million last year to nearly $3.85 million this year.

Before Monday’s vote, Austell held the lowest property tax rate among Cobb County cities—except for Mableton, which provides limited services and does not collect property taxes. With the recent increase, Austell’s millage rate now aligns more closely with neighboring cities such as Acworth, Powder Springs, Smyrna, and Kennesaw.

The vote came after a packed third public hearing where over 20 residents voiced strong opposition to the steep tax hike. Many shared concerns about affordability, especially for homeowners on fixed incomes, and urged the council to consider alternatives before increasing taxes.

During public comments, Sandra Jerkins, widow of Joe Jerkins—who served as Austell’s mayor for nearly 30 years—defended her late husband’s leadership. The widow spoke in response to suggestions that her late husband’s leadership may have contributed to the city’s current financial troubles. Sandra Jerkins placed responsibility for the city’s current financial troubles on Mayor Ollie Clemons and his administration.

Announcing his intention to run for City Council to help tackle what he described as a “financial crisis,” Austell resident and chairman of the Cobb Taxpayers Association, Lance Lamberton, sharply criticized the government, saying, “We are living in a financial, fiscal crisis in Austell. It was not of our making, or the taxpayers who live in Austell, it was your (City Council’s) doing, collectively. You’ve created this problem and now you want us to take the brunt. That is wrong.”

Mayor Ollie Clemons explained that the increase is necessary to stabilize Austell’s finances and allow the city to attract and retain employees. He emphasized that the city has maintained a low millage rate for more than 20 years and that delaying the increase would worsen the city’s financial situation.

The sole vote against the increase was Council member Meredith Adams. Adams stressed her commitment to opposing future property tax hikes and called for hiring a professional city manager to help improve the city’s financial management. Mayor Clemons currently serves in this role.

Finance Director Rachel Yarbrough highlighted that over half of the city’s revenue comes from franchise fees tied to the gas system, which are unpredictable due to fluctuating market prices. Without increasing property taxes, the city faces a $1.6 million budget shortfall.

For homeowners, this increase means significant added costs. A typical home valued at $299,000 will see an increase of approximately $595 in property taxes, while a non-homestead property worth $321,000 will face about $650 more.

Residents continue to urge the council for greater transparency and fiscal responsibility as Austell adjusts to this new financial chapter.