B.
Northside Hospital Cherokee Development Update - Mr. Billy Hayes
Mr. Billy Hayes with Northside Hospital Cherokee noted that a 10-year plan was
put in place in 2017 and was completed in four years. Mr. Hayes stated that a
new plan has been put in place. Some of the new plan projects are already
underway. Mr. Hayes discussed a new parking deck to be adjacent to the
Women's Center to contain around 1,400 spaces, a second entrance into the
hospital with another traffic signal, and the relocation of the hospital helipad.
Mr. Hayes stated another medical office building as well as another parking
deck to support it are in design. There are also designs for a second tower at
the hospital that will likely open in late 2027. Mr. Hayes discussed the need for
another 500 employees and 100 physicians.
5.
Public Hearing
A.
Public Hearing and Possible Action on 2024 Millage Rate - Finance
Director Melissa Forrester - Attachment 5A
Attachments:
Finance Director Melissa Forrester stated this is the third and final public
hearing for the millage rate. Ms. Forrester provided a presentation on the
millage rate which reviewed the importance of property taxes as a revenue
source for the City, requirements for advertising, twenty-year history of the
City’s millage rate, current tax digest, history of County Fire Tax Rates,
calculations for property taxes, upcoming public hearings, and timeline for
adoption. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing and called for anyone
wishing to speak. Mr. Bob Stehlik spoke discussing the concern with the fair
market value on his tax bill and the City taxes being higher than the County.
Mr. Stehlik asked if property taxes paid by apartment complexes are
comparable to what he pays as a homeowner. Mr. Thomas Weaver spoke
discussing the importance of providing funding for the Fire Department. Mr.
Chris Everett spoke requesting the City adopt the rollback rate and discussed
increased City revenues. Mayor Grant closed the public hearing. Mr. Peppers
discussed tax payments made previously by two large apartment complexes
within the City and noted they do not receive any exemptions. Mr. Peppers
also spoke about the City’s reserves and how a portion of that is earmarked for
special capital projects. Mr. Peppers compared the City of Canton’s millage
rate and services provided to other municipalities within the County. Mayor
Grant stated he is proud to continue to hold the millage rate steady and spoke
about the tremendous growth within the City and the amenities and services
that come with that. Mayor Grant noted that once the Fire Tax is paid to the
County, the City operates with just over two mills. Mayor Grant discussed the
City’s reserves remembering when the City did not have any reserves and the
importance of having those reserves in place. Council and staff discussed the
growth of the City, increases in tax assessments and tax bills, using the
adopted millage rate to prepare the City’s annual budget, senior exemptions,
and the Fire Tax payment to the County and how that amount is determined.
Following the discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Waterman made a motion to approve
setting the City’s millage rate at 5.4 mills. Councilmember Tolan seconded the
motion, and it was approved unanimously.
6.
Consideration to Approve Minutes
