Bryan County’s Board of Education is poised to decide today on opting out of Georgia’s property tax cap, a move that could raise taxes for many homeowners. This decision aims to secure funds for the rapidly expanding school district.
Why It Matters: Opting out could lead to higher property taxes, impacting household budgets, especially for seniors and those on fixed incomes. The additional revenue would address the district’s growth needs, including new schools and hiring over 300 teachers by 2048.
What’s Happening: The Board will vote on opting out of the property tax cap established by House Bill 581. If they proceed, homeowners may see increased property taxes to fund educational expansions.
Between the Lines: Some residents express strong opposition, fearing financial strain. State lawmakers have introduced House Bill 362, which could nullify the Board’s decision and potentially allow residents to vote on the exemption in November.
Catch Up Quick: House Bill 581, passed in 2024, offers a statewide property tax cap linked to inflation but allows local entities to opt out by March 1. Bryan County Schools cite potential revenue losses as a reason to opt out, aiming to fund necessary educational resources.
The Board’s decision today will significantly impact homeowners and the future of education funding in Bryan County.
The Real Question: As a property owner, do you want a guarantee that your property taxes won’t go up more than the inflation rate each year, or do you want to pay more taxes to fund schools?
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.
