AUSTELL — In a 5-1 vote Monday night, the Austell City Council approved a 158% property tax increase over the protests of dozens of angry residents.
With this approval, the city’s millage rate will increase by five mills, from 3.25 mills to 8.25 mills. Property tax revenue will more than double, going from about $1.46 million last year to $3.85 million this year.
The increase is meant to stabilize finances, said Mayor Ollie Clemons, and enable the city to attract and retain employees…