Dougherty County Commissioners approved the budget based on a millage rate hike, but they haven't formally approved that tax increase.
Commissioners are expected to adopt the new millage rate in a week, but residents are asking them to think otherwise.
"This is not the time for this type of tax increase," said small business owner, Chuck Knight.
Many Dougherty County taxpayers who live in the unincorporated part of the county, or the special services district, are expressing their concern about the two mil increase.
Monday's public hearing was the first of three where property owners have a chance to voice their opinions.
"I pay enough right now. I consider it a privilege to pay taxes, but dadgummit it's enough. It's just enough," said Knight.
But it wasn't just residents debating the tax hike. Many commissioners are still not on board.
"What we're doing is we're letting ourselves off the hook again," explained Commissioner Ewell Lyle.
"We need to look at proactive ways to grow the county. And there are ways to do that but we don't tackle those things," said Commissioner John Hayes.
The millage increase equals abut a 27.49% increase.
"The average home I believe is $125,000. That would be basically $100 increase per year for their taxes," explained Denver Collins-Hooten, the Dougherty County Tax Director.
Commissioner Jack Stone says they should have raised the millage rate years ago and the fact that they've waited so long is hurting them now.
"I think we got enough commissioners that understand enough that knows that there's no other option. If there's another option I would take it. Because I own a lot of property in the unincorporated area and it's going to cost me a lot of money out of my personal pocket. But it's just one of those things, it's got to be done," said Stone.
County officials say the bulk of the budget for the special services district is funding for the County police department and fire protection from the city.
And some believe that if this millage rate increase is done away with, those departments will suffer.
The third and final public hearing is scheduled for July 16th, before the commission's vote.
Copyright 2012 WALB. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Worldnow and WALB, a Raycom Media Station. 
