Sandy Springs homeowners will get three chances to weigh in on the city's property tax rate before it is finalized, with public hearings scheduled for Oct. 20 and Nov. 3.
The city announced Oct. 7 that it intends to keep its property tax rate at 4.731 mills, the cap set in the city charter since Sandy Springs incorporated in 2005. But because that flat rate is higher than the state-calculated rollback rate, Georgia law requires the city to advertise it as a 0.2635% tax increase.
The rollback rate is the lower millage that would produce the same revenue as last year, accounting for rising property assessments. Keeping the rate flat means the city collects more as home values climb.
This year's advertised increase is the smallest in at least five years. In 2024, the gap between the flat rate and the rollback triggered a 2.19% advertised increase. In 2023, it was 8.01%. In 2022, it was 3.85%.
Three hearings, two dates
Georgia law requires three public hearings before the rate can be adopted. All three will be held at Sandy Springs City Hall, 1 Galambos Way:
- Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 8:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. (final hearing)
The hearings were pushed back a couple of months because of a delay in certifying this year's property tax digest, Rough Draft Atlanta first reported.
Budget context
The Sandy Springs City Council approved a $1.089 billion budget for fiscal year 2027 at its June 16 meeting. Property tax revenues are projected at $49.5 million, a 4% increase over the prior year's budget, according to Appen Media.
City Manager Eden Freeman told the council at that June meeting that the millage rate "is staying the same as it has since Sandy Springs was founded 20 years ago at 4.731 mills."
The city's FY2027 budget requires a millage rate above the rollback threshold, according to the city's announcement. That gap is what triggers the advertised-increase process under state law.
What it means for your tax bill
City taxes make up about 14% of a Sandy Springs property owner's total bill. The largest share goes to Fulton County Schools, and about 30% goes to Fulton County government.
Fulton County property tax bills are due Thursday, Oct. 15. Those bills went out as provisional amounts under a temporary court order after mapping software issues delayed the tax digest. Once millage rates are finalized, the county will issue refunds or revised bills as needed.
Residents who want to speak can attend any of the three sessions at City Hall.
