Athens · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Athens public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Income tax rate set at 2.15%
Council put the newly voter-approved 2.15% income tax into the city code, effective January 1, 2027, with the general revenue allocation adjusted from 1.6 to 1.8. This codifies what voters passed — it changes what residents pay starting in 2027.
Public Safety Training Facility funding
A budget amendment would put roughly $508,000 across Street, Water and Sewer funds toward the Public Safety Training Facility (Project #373), plus $65,000 to replace police voice-logger and radio equipment.
Income Tax Increase Election
Athens voters just weighed a city income tax hike, but the result isn’t final yet—officials are still counting provisional ballots. If it passes, your paycheck takes a hit and the city gets more money for services; if it fails, nothing changes for now.