DUBLIN, Ga. — Taxes for Dublin homeowners could be going up soon.
The school district is deciding on a millage rate that could mean higher tax bills.
Marilyn Stauff never thought she would have to attend a tax increase meeting as a homeowner. Stauff says with her husband in the hospital right now paying more taxes just isn't something she can afford.
"If they do this increase, there are already people in Dublin who are choosing between food and medicine," Stauff said.
Several teachers vocalized their wish for a pay raise. The proposed millage rate would be bumped up to 18-point-56 mills. That's a 3-point-6 mill increase. Board members expressed that the community should stick together for the decision.
"When y'all have trouble we have trouble we supposed to be a team and my problem is we are not working as a team," Kenny Walters said.
While the tax rate would stay the same, property values would go up.
"My husband and I worked for 17 years to get what we've got, and if the taxes keep increasing the way that they are, we may lose what we have," Stauff said.
The proposed tax increase for a $125-thousand-dollar home is $177 dollars.
The proposed tax increase for a non-homestead property with a fair market value of $100-thousand dollars is $147 dollars.
"That will be over $1,900 that we're paying, which increases our mortgage about $100 a month," Stauff said.
Ben Hall says the district is stressing their lack of income but not addressing their overspending.
"There's no accountability to we, the taxpayers, we're saddled with it. We are fighting taxes all the time, and there's so many older people that don't have income," Hall said.
Dublin Board of Education member Kenny Walters says he'd like a majority of homeowners in the area to agree on the millage rate before they officially approve it.