The Athens-Clarke County Commission unanimously approved its fiscal year 2027 budget Tuesday during a special called meeting, setting property tax rates and funding priorities for the coming year. The budget includes a 4% market-rate adjustment for most employees and funding for capital improvement projects.
Commissioners also voted 6-4 to place a Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) referendum on the November ballot. Voters will decide on the special 1% sales tax which would last for five years. Proceeds would be used exclusively for property tax relief.
Supporters say the measure would shift some of the tax burden from property owners to consumers, including visitors and students in Clarke County, while opponents in the meeting raised concerns about its impact on renters and lower-income residents.
The commission also approved a resolution initiating a review of inclusionary zoning and downtown development regulations.
