Mayor Miller Recommending 5th Consecutive Property Tax Rate Reduction

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Tuesday, August 12th, 2025

Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller is recommending a 5th consecutive reduction in the millage rate. The new rate will be 9.575, which is a reduction of 0.325 from last year and 10.756 since he took office. Even with the reduction, it is still funding increases in funds for public safety, IT, beautification, recreation, and more.

The Commission will vote at its meeting on August 19, 2025 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall (700 Poplar Street).

“We’ve been able to lower our millage rate by more than 50% since 2021 and increase spending thanks to better budgeting, more focused and strategic spending, and the voter-approved OLOST,” says Mayor Miller. “I’m proud of our Commission and departments for focusing on our community’s highest priorities and budget and finance teams for making sure they have the resources and funding they need.”

The growth Macon-Bibb County has seen since 2022 is evident in this year’s budget, taking the budget total from $174 million to $219.8 million, and still including a tax reduction. Departments have also received more funds in that time, including public safety increasing more than $28 million, recreation and beautification increasing more than $5.3 million, economic development increasing more than $4.5, and IT increasing by more than $3.4 million.

To view more information about the FY26 Budget, click here.