For the past 3 years Augusta’s property tax rate has stayed the same. Now the Augusta Commission has voted to cut the rate by a tenth of a percentage point. That's good news for homeowners.

The rollback comes as the area continues to see a strong economy backed by its medical community as well as Fort Gordon, Savannah River Site and Plant Vogtle.

Mayor Deke Copenhaver says Augusta has weathered the recession.

"I’m hopeful for the rest of the state," said Copenhaver."I believe we’ve got to come out of this thing at some point and there are some signs of life but, at this point, Augusta is the exception and not the norm."

At 9.3 percent, Augusta’s unemployment rate is among the lowest in the state.

Georgia’s 10 percent unemployment rate has been higher than the national average for 33 consecutive months.

Tags: Augusta, recession, Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver, tax rollbacks, property tax, millage rate, Georgia uneunemployment rate