The Chattooga County Board of Education has approved a rollback of the millage rate to a rate of 10.898 mills.  The millage rate will mean around $70 more in taxes for a home with a fair market value of $125,000.  Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry is rolling back the millage rate for the county’s portion of the property taxes. 

The Board of Education is facing a reduction in their equalization funding from the state because property values have increased.  The board has reduced their savings down to the minimum allowed by the state, which prevented a further increase in taxes.  It is suggested by state officials that the school system keep around $7 million in savings.  The local school system is also facing increased costs, including insurance costs for employees.

Commissioner Elsberry’s rollback will mean the county will have $250,000 less in tax dollars.  Commissioner Elsberry held a millage rate meeting this week as well.  The commissioner was asked where he would make up the $250,000 shortfall and he replied that he didn’t know.  The commissioner also admitted that he does not have a 2024 budget in place after being pressed by a taxpayer at the meeting where the cuts would be made.

• An earlier version stated the BOE had a millage rate increase – that is not correct.  The board rolled back the millage rate will still result in an increase in property taxes