In a long-winded five and a half hour meeting, Athens-Clarke Commissioners passed this year’s county budget after two failed attempts.
On paper, both failed versions of the budget were similar -- the main difference centering around the county’s millage rate, which could affect homeowners’ property taxes. The first version, submitted by Commissioner Mike Hamby (District 10,) and backed by Dexter Fisher (District 5,) and John Culpepper (District 7) would reduce the millage rate by 0.75 mils. Commissioner Jesse Houle (District 6) submitted an alternative proposal backed by Carol Myers (District 8) which would reduce the rate by a more moderate 0.3 mils.
Houle explained that the difference between the two plans would only impact homeowners by around $40 a year. However, those $40 savings through Hamby’s plan would substantially impact government services, according to Houle.
For every one mil adjustment, ACC gains or loses about $6,540,000 in revenue. Some commissioners, like Culpepper, said they were willing to make that compromise to ease the stress of inflation on homeowners.
Commissioners voted first on the Houle/Myers plan, which failed 5-4, with District 9’s Ovita Thorton abstaining.
Several commissioners and Mayor Kelly Girtz objected to Thorton’s abstention, calling it unprecedented. A rule check found the abstention to be in order, despite backlash from Girtz and Houle.
Commissioners then voted on Hamby’s budget, which failed 4-6.
With both proposals rejected, Hamby submitted an amended plan that would reduce the millage rate by 0.65 mils instead of his planned 0.75 reduction. The proposal passed by a close 6-4 vote.
