The Conyers City Council announced today it intended to keep the 2009 millage rate at 9.41 percent, the same as the rate set for 2008.

The Mayor and City Council were notified by the tax assessor's office that due to a smaller tax digest they had the option to increase the millage rate to 9.50. But given the current economic conditions, the council opted to lessen the tax burden on citizens and businesses by maintaining the previous year's rate.

"Given the strain our citizens are likely feeling in these tough times, the council and I felt it best not to increase city taxes," said Mayor Randy Mills. "In trying times, other governments are being forced to make up for economic shortfalls by further taxing their constituents and we pride our municipality on not having to do so."

Other factors such as the state's Homestead Tax Relief Grant (HTRG) and some variations of property tax assessments could result in an increase in a citizen's overall tax bill. A letter explaining the breakdown of how tax bills are derived will accompany property tax bills scheduled to be mailed in late August.

The City Council will hold a called meeting Wednesday, August 12, at 10 a.m. in the city manager's office at City Hall, 1184 Scott Street, for the purpose of setting the millage rate.