North Hall area residents have a chance tonight to share their opinions on the proposed fiscal year 2012 county budget.

Hall County Commissioner Scott Gibbs is hosting a town hall meeting 7-8:30 tonight at the Hood Center at 6008 Hulsey Road in Clermont.

The county is in the midst of drafting its fiscal 2012 budget. Another public hearing will happen at 6 p.m. June 9 at the Georgia Mountains Center.

The budget and millage rate must be approved before July 1. If a tax increase is proposed, three public hearings will be scheduled, county spokeswoman Nikki Young said.

Facing an $11.5 million gap in next year's budget, Chairman Tom Oliver at last week's commission meeting recommended a tax increase of 1.41 mills.

One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 in assessed value. The county assesses on 40 percent of the total value.

Oliver said county residents must choose between that or a "massive reduction in services."