MACON, Ga. — The Bibb County School District held two public hearings Tuesday about its plan to raise the amount of property tax it will collect for next year.
The proposed tax millage rate will remain the same at 14.674 mills, but since property values increased, homeowners in Bibb County will pay more property tax on average. Many people can expect to pay more about $30 for each $100,000 dollars of value.
“It positions us to do a couple of things, one to be more competitive, but also to protect the district,” Superintendent Dan Sims said. “Because if we fall below a certain millage rate, which is 14 mills, we put other funding in jeopardy and we can't afford to do that for the sake of our community and especially our students.”
The district's decision to maintain the millage rate instead of rolling it back means property taxes for people in Macon will go up on average 5.67%.
District Chief Financial Officer Eric Bush said the district has a history of decreasing the millage rate. The district said this is the first time in eight years they haven't decided to roll back the rate to cancel out property value increases.
It will bring in an extra $4.3 million for the school district. After the presentation breaking down these numbers, there was a chance for community members to address the board.
Superintendent Dan Sims said they want to use the extra money they collect to raise teacher pay to try to attract and keep good teachers.
"We know that our budget has to play a major portion in that. So, in maintaining our millage rate, we found that it has a minimal impact on the taxpayer, but also positions us to offer more competitive salaries."
Sims also said the additional money will go into the district's general reserve fund.
"We'll be thinking more about what we need to do, but we're in the first month of school,” he said. “It's time for us to now assess how that first month went and to see what additional needs above and beyond what we already have in place and to have a higher fund base just helps us to do more."
If you missed today's two public hearings, you've got one last chance next Tuesday, Sept. 10th at 5pm. It’s in the district building downtown on Mulberry Street. Following that final meeting, the board will vote on the final adoption of the proposed rate.