Gwinnett Homeowners Could Face Higher Property Taxes: What We Know

Homeowners in Gwinnett County can expect higher property tax bills this year due to rising property values, despite a slight decrease in the property tax rate. The Gwinnett County Board of Education has scheduled public hearings to discuss these changes and hear residents’ concerns.

🗓️ The Details:
Three public hearings will allow residents to voice their opinions:

• July 3 at 6 p.m.
• July 10 at 11 a.m.
• July 10 at 6 p.m.

All hearings will be held in the Board Room at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center in Suwanee.

• On June 20, 2024, the Board of Education approved a 0.1 mill reduction in the property tax rate for Maintenance and Operations.
• The new rates will be 19.10 mills for Maintenance and Operations and 1.45 mills for debt service.

❓ What is the Millage Rate?: The millage rate is your property tax rate. Your city, county, and school system all set a millage rate. That combined number becomes your overall property tax rate. One mill represents $1 of tax on every $1,000 of taxable property.

🔢 By The Numbers:

• New Maintenance and Operations rate: 19.10 mills
• New debt service rate: 1.45 mills
• Projected enrollment for the next school year: 182,700 students

📈 The Big Picture: Rising property values in Gwinnett County are driving up total revenue from property taxes. By law, the Board of Education must either adjust the millage rate to offset this increase or announce a property tax hike. This year, they have opted to announce the tax increase, meaning most homeowners will see higher bills, at least from the school system, even with the reduced millage rate.

🏘️ Why It Matters: For Gwinnett County homeowners, this translates to higher property tax bills. The increased revenue will support vital school district needs, including teacher salaries, school safety, instructional materials, and various educational programs. However, many residents are concerned about the impact on their finances.

📣 What You Can Do: Residents are encouraged to attend the public hearings and voice their opinions. Sign-up sheets will be available at each hearing for those who wish to speak.

🔮 What’s Next?: Following the public hearings, the Board of Education will finalize the property tax rate for fiscal year 2025. Residents should stay informed about the outcomes of these hearings and any further announcements from the Board.