Columbus city officials held the second of three public hearings on the county’s millage rate. State law requires the yearly meetings, which determine how much the city collects in property taxes.

Officials pushed back on what they called a misleading public notice, saying any increase in tax revenue would come from new growth and development, not higher rates for existing homeowners.

“If you have not had a change in value to your property you will not see an increase in your taxes. The millage rate is staying the exact same,” said Suzanne Widenhouse, chief appraiser for Muscogee County.

Officials with the Columbus consolidated government are holding public meetings to address the millage rate. City officials said the millage rate has not increased, but council will have the final say before approving the budget.

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