With the effect on its budget now smaller than previously estimated, the city of Statesboro has slated three "property tax increase" hearings after several City Council members indicated support for keeping the millage rate unchanged. The hearings are required under the state law known as the Taxpayer Bill of Rights because by keeping the millage the same, the city will get the benefit of some inflationary growth in its tax digest. To avoid the formal hearings, the city would have to roll back its property tax rate from the current 6.358 mills to 6.258 mills, according to a notice issued by the city.