City Manager Kevin McBurnett said although the item was placed on Monday's agenda, the city is not required to establish the rate until July.
The millage rate is a figure applied to the value of property to determine property tax liability. The city of Emerson does not collect a property tax from its residents.
Since 1989 the city has voted to set the millage rate at 5 mills and roll it back to zero, McBurnett said, adding that his office had made no recommendation to the mayor and council concerning the rate.
In other action Monday, the council:
* Held a second reading of and approved the City of Emerson soil erosion, sedimentation and pollution control ordinance.
* Held a second reading of and approved the water rate structure for District 2.
* Approved the Public Works Safety Manual.
Mayor Al Pallone said the manual was a "good place to start," adding that as the city applies the procedures the manual may be amended.
* Voted to send a Georgia Department of Transportation Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement to City Attorney Boyd Pettit for review. The statement would involve the city in a study of high-speed transportation between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Tenn.
Pallone said the city needs a better understanding of what obligations would come with the agreement, especially if it involves the city providing funding for the study.
* Held a first reading of amendments to the Code of Ordinances Chapter 27, Utilities Section 27.4 Charges for Water and Sewer Service, Adoption of Water Rate Schedule and Sewer Rate Schedule. The revisions will change the process of updating the fee structure.
* Held a first reading of amendments to the Code of Ordinances Chapter 27, Utilities Section 27.5 Due Date of Bills and Delinquency Penalty. Under the proposed changes, the city would increase the due date of utility fees from 10 days to 20 days.
* Held a first reading of amendments to the Code of Ordinances Chapter 27, Utilities Section 27.7 Charges for Turning Water On. The amendment would increase the fee charged for reconnecting water once it has been turned off from $15 to $30.
* Entered into executive session to discuss personnel matters. No action was taken.