Chatham County officials are considering a significant property tax increase to support essential services, particularly fire protection. The proposal includes a two-mill increase, a move that has sparked concern and debate among residents. The change primarily affects homeowners in unincorporated areas of the county and is tied to recent decisions to eliminate the fire fee and bring fire services under county control. Officials argue the increase is necessary to maintain safety standards, while some homeowners worry about the added financial burden.

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Two-Mill Increase Proposed

Chatham County’s proposed budget includes a two-mill rate increase, which translates to nearly a 50 percent rise in property taxes for some homeowners. This change is part of the county’s broader plan to improve emergency services and manage public safety costs more efficiently. County leaders say the increase is not arbitrary but stems from major structural changes within the fire department.

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Fire Department Now Under County Control

In 2024, Chatham County took full control of the fire department and eliminated the separate fire fee that residents previously paid. Commissioner Aaron Whitely explained that this transition came with substantial costs. The county needed to invest heavily to update equipment, train personnel, and meet national standards. These changes are aimed at ensuring that the county maintains a low Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, which influences insurance premiums and reflects emergency response capabilities.

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$21 Million Fire Budget Drives Increase

According to Commissioner Whitely, the fire department’s updated budget totals around $21 million. Of that, the proposed property tax increase would cover roughly $14 million. The remaining portion of the cost will still be subsidized by the county. Officials argue that without the tax hike, it would be difficult to meet the necessary requirements to operate a professional and fully functional fire service.

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Majority Will See No Net Increase

While the tax proposal might appear steep, Whitely emphasized that more than half of the homeowners in unincorporated Chatham County will not see an overall increase in what they pay. This is because the fire fee, which previously came as a separate cost, has now been eliminated. When comparing the previous total payments (tax plus fire fee) to the new proposed tax structure, approximately 81 percent of homeowners are expected to either break even or pay slightly less.

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Minority Will Pay More

Despite reassurances for most residents, about 19 percent of homeowners will see their overall costs rise. For example, a property with a fair market value of $300,000 could face an increase of nearly $300 annually. This rise is a direct result of the higher property tax millage, not offset enough by the elimination of the fire fee in some cases.

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Residents Raise Concerns

During a recent public meeting, residents expressed concern over the sharp rise in property taxes. One attendee described the single-year increase as bordering on unacceptable. Critics questioned whether the county had considered all options before deciding on such a large tax hike and asked for further examination of the base costs involved in the transition to a county-run fire department.

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Safety Cited as Top Priority

Commissioner Whitely acknowledged the difficulty of raising taxes, stating that no elected official wants to take that step unless absolutely necessary. However, he argued that public safety must come before political concerns or headlines. He said the county’s decision to increase the millage rate was driven by the need to ensure reliable and high-quality fire protection for residents.

Final Vote Scheduled for June 27

The last public hearing on the proposed millage rate will take place on June 27 at 9:30 a.m. County officials are expected to vote on the matter that same day. Residents will have one final opportunity to voice their opinions before the commission makes its decision on whether to implement the tax increase. The proposed tax hike would ease the financial burden of running a modern fire department without relying on separate fire fees. While most homeowners are not expected to pay more, those who will are being asked to accept the increase in exchange for improved emergency services and long-term safety.

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