Dawson County Approves Slight Millage Rate Increase for 2025

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Homeowners in Dawson County will see a modest increase in their property tax bills next year after county commissioners voted to approve a 5.463 millage rate for 2025.

The decision, made at a public meeting last week, represents a 0.103-mill increase—about 1.92 percent higher than the rollback rate.

According to county officials, the adjustment is intended to help offset rising operational costs and maintain essential public services amid inflation and population growth.

“For Dawson County to continue providing the same level of service—public safety, road maintenance, and emergency response—we needed to make a small but necessary adjustment,” said Commission Chair Billy Thurmond. “We’re mindful of the impact on taxpayers, and this rate helps us balance fiscal responsibility with community needs.”

For a home with a fair market value of $525,000, the new rate translates to an increase of roughly $54 a year.

While the change is minor, it drew mixed reactions from residents.

Some expressed support, citing the need for infrastructure investment, while others voiced concern over any increase during a time of economic uncertainty.

The board also approved an updated fee schedule for building permits and development applications, effective October 1, aiming to better align local fees with the costs of service delivery.

Dawson County’s property tax rate remains below the state average for counties of similar size, according to Georgia Department of Revenue data.

Commissioners emphasized that no additional tax hikes are planned for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Public hearings on the 2026 budget cycle are expected to begin next summer.