By Noelani Mathews | WCTV Eyewitness News

VALDOSTA – The Valdosta community is getting the chance to give their input, before the City decides on increasing the current millage rate.

On Wednesday, City leaders and concerned citizens attended two public hearings at noon and 6 o’clock.

At the hearing this afternoon, the City says they’ve lost at least 16 firefighters and 10 police officers.

They say that’s the main reason they City needs the extra funding from the tax hike.

Residents were able to comment after watching a presentation that explained the increase.

“It affects families, businesses, and future generations of this city,” says a local business owner.

“If you’ll look around, there isn’t as many small businesses around like there used to be,” says another local resident.

Homeowners and business owners say they don’t think the should have to pay an extra 60 to 75 dollars.

They say it’s a major expense on top of other taxes, like water and sewer fees.

City officials explain those fees are targeted for other expenses outside the general fund, and can’t go to police and firefighters.

They also say the City’s taxes are still less than a quarter of the total tax burden.

“We’re thinking about them. We’re thinking about the community. We’re thinking about their protection, and I just hope that they understand that,” says Mayor John Gayle. “We’re not up here raising our salaries. We’re raising our employees salaries. The one’s that protect them and serve them.”

Next week, City Council members will meet again to cast their votes.

If everything goes as planned, they say they’re hoping the tax hike will take effect this October.