CORNELIA — The Cornelia City Council will hold its final public hearing and vote on the city’s 2026 budget and millage rate during its regular meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Cornelia City Hall.
City officials are expected to keep the property tax millage rate steady at 9.5 mills for the coming year—technically considered a tax increase under state law because it exceeds the rollback rate of 8.61 mills. That rate would have generated the same total revenue as last year despite a larger tax digest.
During last month’s meeting, City Manager Donald Anderson Jr. said maintaining the 9.5-mill rate will increase city revenues by about $300,000, or 10.29 percent, while ensuring the city can meet rising service and personnel costs. Anderson emphasized that the increase reflects higher property assessments, not a rate hike.
“We’re not raising anyone’s taxes,” Anderson said. “If your taxes go up, it’s because the county reassessed the value of your property.”
The proposed 2026 budget includes a $316,078 increase in the general fund, bringing the total to roughly $7 million. About 72 percent of that fund supports public safety, with higher expenses tied to personnel and new 911 radio system fees. The plan also provides a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for city employees and adds three permanent part-time firefighter positions, raising staffing to five per shift at an estimated cost of $99,216.
The water and sewer fund shows the largest growth, with an additional $2.28 million over the 2025 budget to fund major capital projects, including the city’s wastewater plant expansion. To help offset those costs, water rates will rise 5.4 percent in 2026, with a revised usage tier from 2,000 to 6,000 gallons instead of the current 2,000 to 10,000.
Mayor John Borrow said the rate adjustment should have minimal impact on most households.
“For most people who use regular water, by adopting this the first year your water rate will stay the same or go down slightly,” Borrow said.
The meeting will conclude with reports from city staff and City Manager Donald Anderson. Residents may speak during the public comment period at the start of the meeting.
