The Hinesville City Council adopted a millage-rate increase during Thursday’s meeting that was smaller than the proposed 1.2 mill increase over last year, which would bring the total millage rate to 11.7.

Following the third of three public hearings on the proposed property-tax increase, council members proposed a number of scenarios that would lower the millage-rate increase. The focal point of all their scenarios was merit raise and longevity bonuses for city employees. After some discussion, they agreed to a 1.01 mill increase over last year’s millage rate, setting the overall millage rate at 11.51 mills.

This rate was achieved by eliminating the pay raises and capping longevity bonuses at $500. For the full story, see Sunday’s Courier.