Fulton County school officials are considering opting out of Georgia’s new property tax cap, which voters approved in November. Residents will have three public hearings to discuss the issue. The hearings are required by law.
What’s Happening: House Bill 581, also known as the “Save Our Homes Act,” passed by the Georgia General Assembly and approved by voters in November, establishes a statewide property tax cap tied to inflation. This cap limits annual increases in taxable property values so that they cannot be more than the inflation rate, aiming to provide long-term tax relief for homeowners and protect them from sharp spikes in property taxes.
Under the law, local governments and school districts can opt out of the cap, but they must hold public hearings and pass a resolution before doing so.
The Fulton County Board of Education will hold three public hearings about opting out of the property tax limits established by House Bill 581 and House Resolution 1022. The hearings are scheduled for:
- January 14 at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the North Learning Center in Sandy Springs
- January 23 at 6 p.m. at the South Learning Center in Union City
Why It Matters: House Bill 581, approved by voters in November, caps annual property tax increases based on inflation to provide relief for homeowners. However, Fulton County Schools officials argue the district already has protections in place, including a local exemption that limits increases to 3% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower.
School leaders say the new statewide exemption could delay tax bill processing and affect revenue collections, leading to budget uncertainties. The district’s Chief Financial Officer, Marvin Dereef, said opting out is necessary to maintain financial stability and consistent funding for teacher salaries, instructional materials, and facility maintenance.
Critics of the opt-out argue the move goes against the will of voters and could lead to higher tax bills over time.
What’s Next: Residents can attend the public hearings to learn more and share their opinions. The Board of Education must make a final decision and submit its resolution to the state by March 1.
Why This Should Catch Your Attention: The Board’s decision could determine whether homeowners in Fulton County face tax increases above inflation. Residents concerned about school funding and property taxes can attend the hearings and make their voices heard.
In The Know: While much attention is given to national politics and the workings of Congress and the White House, local government meetings are where the decisions that impact your daily life are made. City Council, County Commission, School Board Meetings, and Town Halls are where your elected leaders discuss and decide the issues that most effect your family and your community. These meetings are open to the public.
Each week, The Georgia Sun highlights some of the meetings and local government actions you need to know about in your community to keep you informed and to make sure you know what decisions your elected officials are considering and how your tax dollars are being spent.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
