The Brookhaven City Council approved a $42.7 million budget1 this week and, at the same time, removed a cap on the city’s tax rate that had been included in the city’s founding charter.
The council’s unanimous vote to remove the tax rate cap will allow the city to raise the tax rate from $2.74 per $1,000 of assessed value to $3.54. That means an increase of $240 a year for the average home with a value of $775,000, according to city officials. The tax rate itself will be set in the spring.
The decision to remove the tax rate cap came in the face of opposition from some of those involved in the city’s founding.
“The promise that was made to the voters is being broken,” Collette McDonald, a local real estate agent who was part of the group that wrote the original charter, told the council.
What were Brookhaven residents promised?
Brookhaven’s city founders made two promises to residents, both written into the city’s charter: Even if property values go up, homeowners wouldn’t be taxed on the higher values. And the city’s tax rate would stay below $3.35 per $1,000 of assessed value unless put to a citywide vote.
The current city council got rid of that second promise, the tax rate cap. Now the council can increase local property tax rates without asking voters to weigh in.
What about senior and disabled homeowners?
In addition to approving the 2026 budget, the city council took the first step to increase the existing homestead exemption for senior and disabled homeowners from $160,000 to $200,000. If approved by voters, eligible homeowners with homes worth less than $600,000 in market value won’t pay city taxes, City Manager Christian Sigman said.
What did your council member say?
More than a dozen speakers at this week’s council meeting asked the council not to remove the city’s tax rate cap, with some calling on them to put the issue to voters or to make steep budget cuts.
However, the council voted unanimously to remove the tax rate cap. Here’s what they said about the decision:
Council Member John Funny
South Brookhaven, including LaVista Park, Clairmont Road and I-85 Corridor
“I feel that if we cut, we are digging into the level of service that’s being delivered to our residents. Is that what we want to do? … I would not be able to say I can support something to cut when we saw what happened — and I'm going to call it out — in Atlanta and Buckhead when they didn't have enough policemen there to handle the demand to provide a safe community. I don't want to be in that position in Brookhaven.”
Council Member Michael Diaz
North Brookhaven, including Nancy Creek, Murphey Candler Park, Harts Mill, Sexton Woods, Silver Lake and Lynwood Park
“We knew way back when that this moment was going to be inevitable … We can't have a homestead freeze, with everybody benefiting out of it, and then have a low millage rate cap. Something's going to have to give when you look at the math. And so ultimately the sooner we do it, the better it's going to be.”
Council Member Jennifer Owens
Ashford Park, Drew Valley, Brookhaven Fields and Skyland
“I didn't run for office to raise taxes. I don't think any of us did ... I ran for council so that my girls could see what it was like to serve your community in a different way. I care about parks. I care about sidewalks. But most of all, I wanted to show them how elected officials could be thoughtful, even if that means that they make tough decisions.”
Council Member Madeleine Simmons
Historic Brookhaven, Brookhaven Heights, Lenox Park and others
Simmons said she got “dozens and dozens” of calls this summer from mothers who wanted the Lynwood Park splash pad to open earlier. “If I went and told those ladies, ‘It's going to be 20 bucks more a month for you to have that splash pad open for two hours earlier,’ I think they would be writing the check tomorrow. But that just goes to show people enjoy the amenities that we have. They live here for a reason.”
“I feel very comfortable with going back to my constituents who are… always asking for more and saying we're going to continue to provide the great level of service that we do while maintaining low taxes and maintaining the fact that we are the second lowest [tax rate] in DeKalb County.”
NEWS
Murphey Candler Lake to be Refilled in January
Murphey Candler residents only have a few months left to enjoy the scenic mudflats of Murphey Candler Park. The lake was emptied earlier this year to repair a low water drain valve near the spillway at the lake’s southern end and remained empty for silt removal around the drain.
The city’s assistant public works director says the project is scheduled to be completed in January and the process of refilling the lake will start in mid to late January.
More Brookhaven News
Brookhaven continues free tree planting partnership with Trees Atlanta (RoughDraft Atlanta)
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EVENTS
Last Farmers Market of the Year, Santa Photos and More
🥕 Last Brookhaven Farmers Market of 2025
Saturday, Nov. 22 | 9 a.m.-noon
1375 Fernwood Circle NE, Parking lot of University Baptist Church
The final Brookhaven Farmers Market of the year.
🎅 Photos With Santa
Saturday, Nov. 22 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
2980 Redding Road. NE
Featuring professional photos with Santa and his elves, live music from Mister John's Music and a raffle for one free session of early childhood music classes. Presented by The Debbie Leonard Group. Spots are limited, reserve early.
🎁 Sugar and Spice Drive
Briarwood Park Recreation Center, 2235 Briarwood Way NE
We Love Buford Highway is looking for donations to help bring the taste of home and comfort for families this holiday season. Items requested include flour, sugar, cinnamon, sweetened condensed milk, corn starch, vanilla extract, dried chiles, dried herbs and evaporated milk. In Brookhaven, drop off donations at Briarwood Park Recreation Center.
Want to see your event featured? Email [email protected]
1 The city’s general fund budget is $42.7 million. The total budget, which includes more than a dozen other funds, is $81.5 million.