City officials received strong financial news this week, as it was announced Milton's tax digest, or total value of all real property in the city, rose 6.5 percent in 2015.

Due to the overall value increase, the City of Milton is legally obligated to hold three public hearings and advertise a property tax increase. However, the city is not increasing residents' tax millage rate - by law Milton cannot unless a majority of voters choose to raise it. The increase is due to the reassessment of existing real estate and new development. The millage rate remains at the legally mandated cap of 4.731 mills.

The public hearings, to be held in Council Chambers of Milton's City Hall (click here for directions), are scheduled for:

·         July 6 at 6 p.m.

·         July 20 at 6 p.m.

·         Aug. 3 at 6 p.m.

"We want to make sure residents understand the City of Milton is not raising their taxes," said Stacey Inglis, Assistant City Manager for the City of Milton. "As a result of the increased value of property in the city, we must advertise a 'tax increase' - but it is wholly separate from what voters decide at the polls."

Inglis said though the total digest rose 6.5 percent, values across the city varied. The Fulton County Tax Assessors Office reported some rose, while others dropped or remained stagnant.

Property tax bills are anticipated to be sent by Sept. 1, and taxes are due back to the city by Oct. 31.