Those who turned up to Hall County’s two public hearings on Thursday were clear: They don’t want a tax increase. Comments from more than 20 people, including those who spoke at the 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. hearings, were almost wholly opposed to the county’s proposed general fund property tax hike to 6.95 mills from 5.716 mills. Members of the Hall County Board of Commissioners said the additional tax is necessary to pay for increasing costs of local government.