Podcasts about millage

WSJM Afternoon News for 08-26-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lafayette Parish Tax Assessor Justin Centanni joins Discover Lafayette to explain the duties of his office, how property values are determined, and what property owners need to know about the upcoming 15-day assessment review period. Justin is Lafayette Parish's 26th Tax Assessor, but his professional path to the office was anything but traditional. With a background in technology and data management, he previously worked in Washington, D.C., for the Department of Defense, helping develop software behind the military's smart identification cards. He later worked at IberiaBank, where he managed a team responsible for backend data integration, including platforms used to detect fraud and illicit banking activity in real time. Before becoming assessor, Justin served nine years as the District 6 representative on the Lafayette Parish School Board. Justin says public service was never something he envisioned for himself. He moved to Lafayette at 18 to attend USL and ultimately found that serving the community gave him an unexpected sense of purpose. “What I learned about myself and public service is that I do take a tremendous amount of personal satisfaction from helping solve problems, helping make decisions. I care a tremendous amount about Lafayette.” What Does the Tax Assessor Actually Do? One of the biggest misconceptions about the assessor's office is that it collects property taxes. It does not. The assessor's responsibility is to identify and value all property in Lafayette Parish. That seemingly simple mission involves an enormous amount of information. The office begins each year with the previous year's tax roll and continually updates it with information from municipalities, the Clerk of Court and other sources. Building permits reveal new construction and renovations. Conveyance records identify properties that have been sold or transferred. Appraisers visit properties where construction has been completed and determine when values need to be updated. And Lafayette gives them plenty to keep up with. Justin says approximately 15,000 properties transfer each year, including residential and commercial property, and more than 1,000 new buildings were constructed in the parish during the past year. Lafayette Parish currently has an approximately $3.3 billion assessed-value tax roll, representing a little more than $30 billion in market value. As Justin put it, those numbers tell an encouraging story about Lafayette's economy. He jokingly offered one particularly visible example: “We're building an $80 million gas station at Louisiana Avenue,” referring, of course, to Buc-ee's. How Your Property Value Is Determined For homeowners who have not substantially changed their property, assessments generally move according to what comparable homes in the neighborhood are selling for. The assessor's office examines neighborhood sales and establishes a price per square foot. Larger homes will therefore have a higher value than smaller homes, but comparable properties within the neighborhood are valued using a consistent methodology. Parishwide reassessments occur every four years. The last reassessment was in 2024, and the next will take place in 2028. Of course, Justin understands the eternal property owner’s dilemma: everybody wants a high appraisal when they are selling or refinancing their home and a low valuation when the property tax bill arrives. “Don't we all,” he laughed. “I'm no different.” August 17 Through 31, 2026: Assessment Review Period An important focus of our conversation was Lafayette Parish's 2026 Assessment Review Period, August 17 through August 31. Property owners whose assessments increased by 15 percent or more should have received notice from the assessor's office. But the review period is also an important opportunity for anyone who believes the assessor's office has incorrect information about their property. Justin explained that the most common type of error might be something as straightforward as incorrect square footage. If the assessor’s records show a 6,000-square-foot home when the home is actually 4,000 square feet, that error can significantly affect the tax bill. “If we have the square footage of your house incorrect…you should come in and you should tell us,” Justin said. The assessor's office can measure the property, correct its records and adjust the valuation accordingly. This first step is important. A taxpayer who wants to challenge an assessment must first meet with the assessor's office. The taxpayer and assessor attempt to reach agreement on the property’s proper assessed value. Evidence matters, and simply disagreeing with the valuation does not guarantee that it will be changed. If an agreement cannot be reached, the taxpayer can proceed to the next level of appeal before the Lafayette Parish Council, sitting as the Board of Review. But to preserve that right, Justin explained that the taxpayer must first have an in-person meeting with the assessor's office during the review period. Appointments can be made through the Lafayette Parish Assessor's website, https://lafayetteassessor.com/, and taxpayers can request the appropriate specialist depending upon whether their issue involves an appraisal, personal property, a property transfer or another matter. They may be contacted by phone at (337) 291-7080. Senior Freezes, Veterans and Homestead Exemptions The assessor's office interacts frequently with senior citizens, veterans, real estate professionals and families dealing with inherited property. Justin explained that qualifying homeowners over age 65 may obtain a special assessment level, commonly called the “senior freeze.” For 2026, he said the income threshold is less than $102,000 in adjusted gross income. An important distinction: the senior freeze freezes the property’s assessed value, not the amount of taxes owed. Millage rates can still affect the ultimate tax bill. Justin also explained that once a taxpayer qualifies, the income qualification does not have to be revalidated annually. Veterans may also qualify for special property tax exemptions, and the office regularly assists families after the death of a property owner. Justin shared that the office monitors obituaries and other data sources so ownership and homestead exemption records can be kept current. He also spoke candidly about the sensitivity required when contacting families shortly after a death. “We’re trying to interpret the law in the most compassionate way possible,” he said, while acknowledging that the office still has a legal duty to maintain accurate records. A Warning for Estate Planning Attorneys: Trusts and Homestead Exemptions Our conversation also ventured into an issue especially important for Louisiana attorneys and their clients: transferring a primary residence into a trust. Justin explained that a trust must be structured properly if the homeowner intends to retain the homestead exemption. Losing that exemption can have a cascading effect because special assessment levels, including a senior freeze, depend upon the existence of the homestead exemption. If a longtime homeowner inadvertently loses both the homestead exemption and senior freeze, the consequences can be substantial. Justin gave the example of a home whose value had been frozen since the 1990s suddenly having to be reassessed at its 2026 value. His office would much rather catch the problem before that happens. “We try to catch them and say, ‘Go back and redo this so that we don’t have to do this to your client, because I don’t think that’s what the client was looking to do.'” Justin encourages attorneys who have questions about how estate planning transactions may affect property tax exemptions to contact the assessor's office. The Mystery of Properties Nobody Can Find One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation involved something Justin never expected to encounter as assessor: properties on the tax roll that his office cannot definitively locate. Some parcels date back more than a century, when property descriptions might reference a road, a neighboring landowner or hand-drawn boundaries rather than today’s precise legal descriptions. Justin described one document dating to 1905 that identified surrounding tracts essentially by references to other family members' property, with no modern landmarks to pinpoint its location. Nevertheless, the property made it onto the tax roll, and someone continued paying the taxes for generations. “I never in a million years thought there would be property we didn’t know where it was,” Justin said. The problem becomes especially complicated when property has passed through generations without a succession and may now have a multitude of co-owners. Some rural timberland parcels generate only a tiny annual tax bill, so one family member may simply continue paying it year after year. Bringing the Assessor’s Office to the Public Justin is also looking for ways to make his office more accessible. The assessor's office is located at 213 West Vermilion Street in downtown Lafayette, in the former Capital One/Hub City Bank building. But Justin heard repeatedly from residents outside the city that driving downtown, finding parking and visiting the office could be inconvenient. That led to the creation of Parish Pop-Ups, where assessor’s office employees spend time in municipalities around Lafayette Parish helping residents with assessments, senior freezes and other property matters. One woman arrived at a recent pop-up before the staff had even officially begun for the day. She had been putting off applying for her senior freeze for years simply because she didn’t want to make the trip downtown. She arrived with her paperwork ready and was able to take care of it. For Justin, that is exactly the point. “We are really just trying to figure out ways that we can better serve the public and make it easier for them to interact with our office.” Where Do Your Property Taxes Actually Go? We also discussed something every property owner wonders about when that tax bill arrives: Where does the money go? Individual millages are levied for particular taxing bodies and, in many cases, dedicated to specific purposes. School Board millages support schools. Other millages support entities and services such as law enforcement, the health unit, mosquito control, the airport, libraries and municipal services. The assessor determines the taxable value, but the assessor does not decide the tax rate or determine how those tax dollars are spent. Those decisions belong to the respective governmental and taxing authorities. The assessor's website publishes annual “grand recaps,” reports required by the Louisiana Tax Commission that allow the public to see how much revenue is generated by the various millages throughout Lafayette Parish and its municipalities. To access the 2025 Annual Report, visit https://content.lafayetteassessor.com/uploads/LPAO_Annual_Report_2025_FINAL_181c88bc34.pdf Even Parish Lines Can Be Complicated Justin shared one final surprise that came with the job: disputes over exactly where Lafayette Parish ends and a neighboring parish begins. Some parish boundaries were historically defined by bayous and waterways, and those waterways may have shifted since the boundaries were established nearly two centuries ago. “My constitutional duty is to assess all property in my parish,” Justin explained. That means the assessor sometimes has to determine whether a particular piece of land actually sits in Lafayette Parish, even when another parish assessor may reach a different conclusion. As Justin joked about relying on modern technology to solve an old Louisiana boundary dispute, “Siri has an opinion, just like everybody else. Unfortunately, there's only 64 opinions that actually matter in this situation.” When Justin isn’t immersed in property values, data and parish boundaries, he is a voracious reader who enjoys spy novels and estimates he reads 30 to 35 books each year. His mornings typically begin with coffee, number puzzles and crossword puzzles, and when fall arrives, plenty of football enters the mix. Our thanks to Lafayette Parish Tax Assessor Justin Centanni for joining Discover Lafayette and giving us an inside look at an office that touches virtually every property owner in our parish.

August 10, 2026 ~ Five Oakland County communities rejected police and fire millages during last week's election. Mike Bouchard discusses what the results could mean for public safety services and local budgets. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 6, 2026 ~ Assad Turfe, deputy chief executive officer, joins the show to discuss the Wayne County Transit Millage that aims to expand public transit options. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 6, 2028 ~ The regional school enhancement millage failed in Oakland County. Former superintendent Robert Livernois explains what voters rejected, how districts could be affected, and what's next for school funding in the region. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The MTA's very own CEO Mr. Ed Benning joins Stephanie K and Jay this week to talk about how important the millage is for the MTA and our community.  Vote August 4th!

On this segment of Copper Country Today, host Tim Peters talks with CLK Schools Superintendent Joel Asiala about the district's upcoming millage request.Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 on WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM, and 10:00 on WHBS 96.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation. Copyright © 2026, ListenUpRadio, Houghton, MI.

June 26, 2026 ~ Rochester School Board Member Carol Beth Likouti chats with Rocky and Paul about her lawsuit against her own education board. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to Sally's Story. Author Sydney Millage joins us to explore the beginning stages of the ritual abuse healing journey through the story of Sally. This beautifully written book gently introduces the challenges survivors often face when they first begin uncovering wounds they may not yet fully understand.With warmth, compassion, and insight, Sydney gives language to experiences that can feel confusing and overwhelming. She helps remove some of the fear surrounding the healing process, replacing it with understanding, hope, and confidence. Where the inner critic speaks shame and condemnation, she offers kindness and grace.Join us for this fascinating conversation as we discuss the realities of beginning the healing journey, the obstacles survivors encounter, and the hope that healing is possible—even when the path ahead seems uncertain.Sally's story is available on Amazon, #ad: https://amzn.to/43j3RylOnly God Rescued Me:Website:https://www.onlygodrescuedme.com/Contact Lisa:lisa@onlygodrescuedme.comTo help support this podcast: Become an OGRM Support Angel on YouTube ($4.99 per month): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXudcfKU-b6NtSQphUOstRA/joinSpotify Subscriber ($2.99 per month): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/lisa-meister/subscribePayPal @Lisa453Venmo @lisameister4242 Square https://square.link/u/kQLAozvVBuy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/onlygodrescuedme.com

Property taxes, levies, millage and school funding can be confusing, but they affect every community.In this episode of Report to the Office, OSBA President Mary Cleveland talks with Princeton City Schools Treasurer Christine Poetter about how school districts are funded, why local taxpayers are being asked to carry more of the load, and how those dollars support students, staff, buildings and daily operations.They also discuss common misconceptions about school district finances, the difference between property tax and income tax levies, why cash balances can be misunderstood, and how community members can stay informed and involved.Topics include:• Where school funding comes from.• Why property tax bills can change.• How levy dollars reach the classroom.• The role of the district treasurer.• Why school funding is a community issue.Understanding school funding is one way communities can better support students and public education.00:00 Introduction00:18 Where do your property taxes go?00:50 Meet Christine Poetter02:17 Biggest misconception about school funding04:02 Main sources of school funding05:21 Local taxpayers vs. state funding07:30 Property tax levies vs. income tax levies11:30 Millage and valuation explained12:48 Why tax bills can change15:23 How tax dollars reach the classroom18:27 Why cash balances can be misunderstood19:02 Schools are a people business20:39 Hard financial decisions districts face23:11 What every Ohio resident should understand25:33 How community members can stay informed27:17 Closing remarksFor more resources, training and advocacy updates from the Ohio School Boards Association, visit ohioschoolboards.org

WSJM Afternoon News for 05-05-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WSJM Afternoon News for 05-05-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Dedrick Martin, Superintendent at KRESA, talks about the Special Education Millage proposal to support mandated Special Education services in Kalamazoo County School Districts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More on next week's bond proposal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this segment of Copper Country Today, host Todd VanDyke talks with Copper Country School District Superintendent Jim Rautiola about the upcoming election for renewal of the district's Career and Technical Education millage.Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 on WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM, and 10:00 on WHBS 96.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation. Copyright © 2026, ListenUpRadio, Houghton, MI.

In this episode, we welcome 4-time Paralympic medalist Nichole Millage-Faust to the show (2:20 - 1:09:37). We take a deep dive into Nichole's career. We start by celebrating her upcoming induction into the 2026 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame. Nichole then shares about some stories from her career and memories from all of her Paralympic experiences. She catches up on what she's been doing since retirement, we have a surprise guest crash the interview and so much more! Get your tickets to the 2026 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame: https://go.usav.org/26halloffameText us!

Southwest Michigan's Morning News podcast is prepared and delivered by the WSJM Newsroom. For these stories and more, visit https://www.wsjm.com and follow us for updates on Facebook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southwest Michigan's Morning News podcast is prepared and delivered by the WSJM Newsroom. For these stories and more, visit https://www.wsjm.com and follow us for updates on Facebook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WSJM Afternoon News for 04-02-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WSJM Afternoon News for 04-02-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WSJM Afternoon News for 03-04-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WSJM Afternoon News for 03-04-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Revisited: Q&A - Raising Millage Rates

February 19, 2026 ~ Carol Beth Likouti, a member of the Rochester Community School Board, explains why she is suing her own district's education board. She details concerns surrounding a hidden millage request expected to appear on ballots later this year and discusses transparency, governance, and how these decisions could affect families and taxpayers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Southwest Michigan's Morning News podcast is prepared and delivered by the WSJM Newsroom. For these stories and more, visit https://www.wsjm.com and follow us for updates on Facebook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southwest Michigan's Morning News podcast is prepared and delivered by the WSJM Newsroom. For these stories and more, visit https://www.wsjm.com and follow us for updates on Facebook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southwest Michigan's Morning News podcast is prepared and delivered by the WSJM Newsroom. For these stories and more, visit https://www.wsjm.com and follow us for updates on Facebook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WSJM Afternoon News for 02-13-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WSJM Afternoon News for 02-13-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WSJM Afternoon News for 02-13-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a millage up for renewal for the West Bank Flood Protection Authority. We talk to regional director Jesse Noel about it.

* Whether you're newly eligible for Medicare or you've had it for years, there's a lot to learn about the program. Dr. B. Peoples Health joins us to talk about four common Medicare myths. * There's a millage up for renewal for the West Bank Flood Protection Authority.

Southwest Michigan's Morning News podcast is prepared and delivered by the WSJM Newsroom. For these stories and more, visit https://www.wsjm.com and follow us for updates on Facebook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In generational SRA families, domestic abuse often operates beneath the surface of daily life.Joining us today is Sydney Millage, executive director of Clarity in Action Ministries. She's the author of 37 Ways to Be Taken Captive: Warning Signs and Prevention for Destructive Relationships—a pivotal resource for understanding how abuse takes root and how freedom begins.Together, we'll unpack what domestic abuse really is, how it intersects with SRA, and what recovery can look like. Whether you're in a difficult marriage, seeking a healthy relationship, or trying to make sense of the home you grew up in, this conversation will offer clarity and hope.It's a challenging topic, especially if you're hearing it for the first time, so take your time and give yourself plenty of compassion as you listen.37 Ways to Be Taken Captive: Warning Signs and Prevention for Destructive Relationships: https://amzn.to/3WhxgWgTo contact Clarity in Action: https://clarityministry.org/Only God Rescued Me: Website: www.onlygodrescuedme.com Contact Lisa:lisa@onlygodrescuedme.comTo help support this podcast: PayPal @Lisa453Venmo @lisameister4242 Square https://square.link/u/kQLAozvVBuy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/onlygodrescuedme.com

On this segment of Copper Country Today, Hancock Schools Superintendent Chris Salani talks with host Todd VanDyke about the district's upcoming millage request.Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 on WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM, and 10:00 on WHBS 96.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation. Copyright © 2025, ListenUpRadio, Houghton, MI.

Matt Jewell joins Tommy to talk about the millage in St Charles Parish.

Southwest Michigan's Morning News podcast is prepared and delivered by the WSJM Newsroom. For these stories and more, visit https://www.wsjm.com and follow us for updates on Facebook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this segment of Copper Country Today, Copper Country Intermediate School District Superintendent Jim Rautiola talks with host Todd VanDyke about the district's growth and upcoming millage request.Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 on WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM, and 10:00 on WHBS 96.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation. Copyright © 2025, ListenUpRadio, Houghton, MI.

County commission moves forward with proposed millage rates

On this segment of Copper Country Today, host Todd VanDyke talks with Canal View Houghton County Administrator Adam Laplander about skilled nursing care in the community, and the upcoming millage vote to continue public support for their facility.Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 on WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM, and 10:00 on WHBS 96.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation. Copyright © 2025, ListenUpRadio, Houghton, MI.

On this segment of Copper Country Today, Houghton County commissioners Tom Tikkanen and Glenn Anderson talk with host Todd VanDyke about the current problems with the Houghton County Jail, and the upcoming election that could provide financing to replace it.Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 on WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM, and 10:00 on WHBS 96.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation. Copyright © 2025, ListenUpRadio, Houghton, MI.

On this segment of Copper Country Today, Kathleen Harter and Kevin Store from Copper Shores Meals on Wheels talk with host Todd VanDyke about the millage request on the August ballot that would enable them to expand senior nutrition services to all of Houghton County.Copper Country Today airs throughout Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula Sunday mornings at 7:00 on WOLV 97.7 FM, 8:00 on WCCY 99.3 FM and 1400 AM, 9:00 on WHKB 102.3 FM, and 10:00 on WHBS 96.3 FM. The program is sponsored by the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation. Copyright © 2025, ListenUpRadio, Houghton, MI.

Ohioans have told lawmakers they need to do something about increasing property taxes. While a grassroots effort to put a constitutional amendment before voters to abolish property taxes works to collect petition signatures, a number of other bills and proposals are taking shape at the Statehouse. One of those bills would reduce property tax collections by $3.5 billion is getting pushback. House Bill 335 would eliminate the 1% property tax value that schools and local governments can levy without voter approval. It's known as inside millage. The bill is sponsored by Republican state Representative David Thomas of Jefferson, in Ashtabula County. Schools and local governments say the bill would be cataclysmic for school staffing and public services. Property taxes and what to do about them begins this week's discussion of news on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.”

Southwest Michigan's Morning News podcast is prepared and delivered by the WSJM Newsroom. For these stories and more, visit https://www.wsjm.com and follow us for updates on Facebook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On May 6, 2025 a millage will be on the ballot for the Lakeshore Museum Center for the construction of a new museum building and the renovation of the existing space into a collection and archival storage facility. In this episode museum director Melissa Horton explains what this millage entails, why it is needed, and how the community will be served by it if it passes. For more information e-mail info@preservemuskegon.com or visit https://lakeshoremuseum.org/2025millage/

* We take our weekly deep dive into crime and policing in the New Orleans area with Ronal Serpas * The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority – West (SLFPA-W) is seeking a renewal of a millage on the March 29th ballot.

The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority – West (SLFPA-W) is seeking a renewal of a millage on the March 29th ballot. Tommy talks with Jesse Noel, the regional director, about why it's so important.

You can't keep a good girl down. What would depress and ruin many, she used as a flotation device to give her purpose and direction.  Listen to this Centennial graduate and Champaign native talk about a 98' boating accident on Clinton Lake, seeking justice without any resolution, finding and using prosthetics, taking an athletic background and finding a new outlet with sitting volleyball, her incredible Paralympics history, her engagement and her current position for the City of Champaign. Wrong place, wrong time, wrong crowd, I can think of a hundred near-miss moments like the one Nichole describes on the lake that summer. She isn't defined by that boat ride, however, she is defined by strength, athleticism and now love...................................................................Please, please subscribe (so you know when new episodes drop) and share! Find at linktr.ee/hyperlocals_cu or wherever you find podcasts.I'd like to thank this episode's sponsor, Fern & Flora at 512 East John Street in the heartbeat of Champaign. Campus. Easily accessible and with on-street parking, it's a breeze to get in and out, or, let them do the heavy lifting with same day delivery options! All information can be found at fernandflorashop.com. Follow on Instagram @fernandflorashop for all inventory changes and flower inspo. Thank you so much for listening! However your podcast host of choice allows, please positively: rate, review, comment and give all the stars! Don't forget to follow, subscribe, share and ring that notification bell so you know when the next episode drops! Also, search and follow hyperlocalscu on all social media. If I forgot anything or you need me, visit my website at HyperLocalsCU.com. Byee.

From the BG Ad Group Studio this is your news minute on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast presented by Credit Union of Georgia. Today is Wednesday, July 24th, and I'm Keith Ippolito. Cobb Passes $1.3 Billion Budget, Keeps Millage Rate Flat in Partisan Votes The Cobb County Board of Commissioners has made a significant budget decision. Despite public calls for a rollback in the millage rate and reductions in the general fund budget, the Board voted to pass a $1.3 billion budget and maintain the current millage rate. The vote was split along partisan lines, with a 3-2 outcome. Commissioners Keli Gambrill and JoAnn Birrell, both Republicans, opposed the budget and millage rate, citing concerns over excess revenue collection. While the tax rates will stay flat at 8.46 mills for the general fund and 2.99 mills for the fire fund, rising home values will result in an additional $22.6 million in general fund property tax revenue and $11.7 million more for the fire fund compared to last year. Chairwoman Lisa Cupid highlighted the importance of understanding the numbers tied to the budget's "impact items," which include an $8.4 million step-and-grade plan for public safety personnel. For more information or to get involved, visit kids-care2018.org. For more news about our community, visit mdjonline.com. For the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, I'm Keith Ippolito. Produced by The BG Podcast NetworkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.