Kennesaw Proposes Property Tax Increase, Schedules Public Hearings

Atlanta Home Network · Published July 2026

Property owners in Kennesaw could see a higher tax bill next year under a proposed increase approved for public review by the city council. The city intends to increase its 2026 property tax rate by 4.25% for maintenance and operations and 3.70% for bond debt above the state-calculated rollback rate.

Kennesaw plans to raise its 2026 property tax rate 4.25% for operations and 3.70% for bond debt above the rollback rate, with three public hearings scheduled before a final vote.

The city announced it intends to increase its 2026 property tax rate by 4.25% for maintenance and operations and 3.70% for bond debt above the state-calculated rollback rate.

Under Georgia law, local governments must advertise a tax increase and hold public hearings whenever they propose a millage rate above the rollback rate, which is designed to generate the same amount of revenue as the previous year despite higher property assessments.

City officials said the proposed tax rate is needed to support the city's tentative 2026 budget. The increase comes as property values continue to rise, prompting annual reassessments by county tax assessors.

Public hearings scheduled

Residents will have opportunities to comment on the proposed increase during public hearings at the Kennesaw City Council Chambers, 2529 J.O. Stephenson Ave.

The hearings are scheduled for:

  • July 27 at 6 p.m.
  • Aug. 3 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

The council will consider adopting a final millage rate after the hearings.

What the rollback rate means

Under Georgia law, the rollback rate is the millage rate that would generate the same amount of revenue as the previous year, even when rising property assessments increase the total taxable value in the city. When a city proposes a rate above the rollback rate, state law requires it to advertise a tax increase and hold public hearings before adopting the final millage.

In Kennesaw's case, the proposed 2026 rate sits 4.25% above the rollback for maintenance and operations and 3.70% above the rollback for bond debt service — meaning the city intends to collect more revenue than last year, not just keep pace with reassessments.

What this means for Kennesaw homeowners

The proposed increase comes as property values across Cobb County continue to rise, driving annual reassessments that already push assessed values higher. A rate set above the rollback adds a second layer of cost growth on top of those higher assessments.

Kennesaw is the second Cobb County city in a week to move on property taxes. The Mableton City Council voted 6-1 on July 13 to set a 4.5-mill rate to fund a new public safety division, costing the owner of a $350,000 home $630 a year.

For homeowners tracking carrying costs, property tax decisions at the city level compound with county and school district levies. With Cobb County's housing market cooling from its peak — investor share fell to 19.9% in May 2026 — the gap between assessed values and what buyers will pay is a factor to watch as local governments set their rates.

What happens next

Kennesaw residents can attend any of the three public hearings at City Council Chambers, 2529 J.O. Stephenson Ave., to comment on the proposed increase. After the Aug. 3 hearings, the council will consider adopting a final 2026 millage rate.

Property owners should watch for updated tax bills once the final rate is set.

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