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June 29, 2026

Trion Proposes Smaller Budget With No Tax or Utility Rate Increases

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Residents in Trion could see no increase in property taxes or utility rates under the town’s proposed 2026-2027 fiscal year budget.

The proposed budget totals approximately $14.7 million across all funds, a decrease of about 3.2 percent compared to the current fiscal year. According to Trion Town Clerk Missy Duncan, most of the reduction is tied to lower projected natural gas sales.

Duncan said Mount Vernon Mills, the town’s largest employer and largest natural gas customer, is expected to use less natural gas during the coming fiscal year based on projections from the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia. Even with the anticipated decline in gas revenue, town officials are not proposing any increases in water, sewer, natural gas, sanitation, or property tax rates.

The proposed budget includes approximately $4.05 million for the General Fund, $5.21 million for the Gas Revenue Fund, $4.75 million for the Sewer and Wastewater Treatment Fund, $292,500 for the Water Fund, and $391,950 for the SPLOST Fund.

Town officials also expect to receive about $33,000 per month in Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) revenue, providing additional funding for transportation projects.

Residents will have an opportunity to review the proposed budget and offer comments during a public hearing before the budget is considered for final adoption

June 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Adopts $29.33 Million Budget With No Tax or Utility Rate Increases

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The City of Summerville has approved a balanced budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year that includes no increases to property taxes or utility base rates.

June 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Lawmakers Focus on Election Changes, Tax Relief During Special Session

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Georgia lawmakers returned to the State Capitol last week for a special legislative session called by Governor Brian Kemp to address election law implementation, local homestead tax exemptions, and ratification of a temporary suspension of state motor fuel taxes.

According to State Representative Eddie Lumsden, who represents Chattooga County and a portion of Floyd County, legislators opted not to take up congressional and state legislative redistricting during the special session, despite redistricting being included in the governor’s original proclamation.

One of the first measures approved by lawmakers was House Resolution 3EX, which ratifies Governor Kemp’s executive order extending the temporary suspension of Georgia’s motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes. The extension continued tax relief for motorists through the Memorial Day travel period.

Lawmakers are also reviewing Senate Bill 3EX, which would make adjustments to Georgia election laws and address implementation deadlines established under previous legislation. The measure deals with election equipment requirements and the use of human-readable ballot text in vote tabulation.

Another major topic under consideration involves local homestead tax exemptions. Following passage of legislation earlier this year authorizing a Local Homestead Option Sales Tax, lawmakers are considering local bills that would allow communities to place homestead exemption measures before voters during the November 2026 General Election.

The General Assembly resumed work Monday as legislators continue debating the measures included in the governor’s special session agenda.

You can read Representative Lumsden’s complete legislative report below.

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Governor Kemp Expands Special Session Agenda to Include Property Tax Referendums and Appointments

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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has expanded the agenda for the General Assembly’s upcoming special session, adding several items beyond the previously announced discussions on redistricting and election law changes.

April 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Ends Fiscal Year 2025 with $18 Million in Available Funds

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Walker County closed out fiscal year 2025 with more than $18 million in available funds, according to its latest annual audit, reflecting a significant increase in financial reserves.

March 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sharon Evans Appointed Walker County Tax Commissioner Following Retirement

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Sharon Evans has been appointed to serve as the new Walker County Tax Commissioner, following the retirement of longtime commissioner Carolyn Walker, who stepped down last week after more than 25 years of service to focus on her health.

March 15, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Tax Books Now Open For 2026 Returns

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The Chattooga County Tax Assessor’s Office has announced that the tax books are now open for the return of 2026 state and county taxes, with property owners required to make their return on or before April 1, 2026.

March 13, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Hufstetler Pushes Housing Bills Aimed at Lowering Costs for Georgia Families

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State Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, R-Rome, says rising housing costs are one of the biggest threats facing Georgia families and argues that lawmakers must act to protect homeownership opportunities across the state.

March 9, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Several Georgia Bills With Potential Impact on Northwest Georgia Survive Crossover Day

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Several measures that could affect residents in Northwest Georgia are still alive in the Georgia General Assembly after lawmakers met last week’s Crossover Day deadline, one of the most important milestones of the legislative session. Crossover Day marks the point when most bills must pass either the House or Senate in order to continue moving forward this year, and a number of proposals tied to schools, taxes, public safety, and the courts made it through.

February 8, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Housing Affordability Squeeze Grows in Chattooga County as Prices Rise and Rentals Stay Tight

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For many families in Chattooga County, housing is still considered “more affordable than the big cities” — but that doesn’t mean it feels affordable on a local paycheck.