No Property Tax Hike in Acworth

Acworth residents won’t see a property tax increase this year.

The voted 5-0 on Thursday night to set the city’s millage rate at 7.6 mills, the rate at which it has been set for at least the last 7-8 years, Alderman Bob Weatherford said.

“It’s no small feat for cities, and somehow we managed to do it again,” Weatherford said.

Each year for the last four years, property tax revenues have been down but city officials have balanced the budget without raising property taxes or laying off employees, Weatherford said.

Also at the board’s meeting, it recognized Nina Brante, who received the 11 Alive Kids Who Care Award for Becca’s Closet. Brante, who graduated this year from , created the non-profit Strength in Stilettos two years ago. The organization collects prom dresses to sell at a consignment sale. This year, Brante raised $2,000. Half of that money was used to give $500 in college scholarships to one student each from Allatoona and Kennesaw Mountain High Schools. Each of the two schools also received $500.

“It makes me feel really good,” Brante said. “I love helping people, and I’ve always tried to find a way to get involved in the community. I really enjoyed working on this and creating Strength in Stilettos.”

Brante is one of the city’s Young Aldermen, who meet once a month, participate in community service projects and learn how the city operates.

“It’s obviously an honor to serve on the panel,” said Weatherford, the city’s Young Aldermen liason. “(Brante)’s done a lot of things, obviously, and to be one of five in Atlanta recognized is an honor.”

Brante plans to attend the University of Alabama in the fall. Her sister will take over the non-profit organization.

In other business, the board:

• Saw four police officers promoted to corporals;
• Approved the purchase of eight Dell desktop computers at a cost not to exceed $10,964;
• Approved a design proposal and $2,550 design fee from TK Consulting Engineering, LLC for design and construction documents to connect the new CSX culvert to the Main Street drainage system;
• And approved a contract with H2X Racing Promotions to hold the Pro Hydro X Jet Ski Tour Event at Cauble Park Sept. 1-2.