Brookhaven property tax increase: Residents to weigh in before City Council vote

Brookhaven residents could soon see a nearly 40% increase in the city’s operating property tax rate if the City Council approves a proposal up for a vote Tuesday evening.

The proposal would raise Brookhaven’s operating millage rate from 2.74 mills to 3.85 mills. City officials say the increase is needed to keep pace with rising costs and maintain city services.

Brookhaven residents will have two chances Tuesday to weigh in on the proposal before the City Council votes on the measure later that evening.

Some residents say they understand the financial pressures facing the city but still have concerns about the size of the proposed increase. Bill Dynan, president of the LaVista Park Civic Association, said many residents were surprised by the proposal and want more information about how city leaders arrived at the nearly 40% increase.

“The city’s in a tough position,” Dynan said. “They’re squeezed between rising costs and having put a freeze on their residential assessments.”

Dynan said residents have questions about why such a large increase is necessary and are looking for additional details before supporting the measure.

“I think people are concerned about the millage rate going up because they thought that was not going to happen,” he said.

The LaVista Park Civic Association represents more than 200 members in a neighborhood of roughly 650 homes.

Brookhaven will hold public hearings on the proposed tax increase at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Brookhaven City Centre. Residents will have an opportunity to address city leaders before the City Council votes on the proposed millage rate later that evening.