During a recent government meeting, community concerns regarding rising taxes and their impact on local residents were prominently voiced. A representative, speaking on behalf of a neighborhood committee, urged officials to reconsider proposed tax increases, highlighting that many citizens are struggling to afford both their church contributions and city taxes. The speaker warned that excessive taxation could lead to increased vacancies in homes and businesses, ultimately harming the community's economic stability.

The representative emphasized that many residents are already leaving their churches due to financial constraints and expressed fears that the same could happen with the city, resulting in boarded-up properties and job losses. The plea underscored a growing concern among citizens about the affordability of living in Dougherty County, with a specific mention of the proposed 12.17% tax rate being higher than what many families contribute to their places of worship.

Following this public hearing, the commission moved on to discuss resolutions, including a proposal to apply for a grant from the National Park Service aimed at supporting underrepresented communities, particularly in the Harlem district. The grant application does not require matching funds, and officials expect to know the outcome by late October or early November.

Additionally, the commission addressed a scheduling conflict for their regular meeting, proposing to shift the time from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on the fourth Tuesday of the month to accommodate a community event. This change was unanimously supported by the commission, ensuring that the public is informed of the new meeting time through updated notices in local media and on the city’s website.

The discussions reflect ongoing efforts by local officials to balance community needs with fiscal responsibilities, as well as a commitment to transparency and engagement with residents.