In a decisive move during its Called Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, January 7, the Chattooga County Board of Education unanimously voted to opt out of House Bill 581 (HB 581), a newly enacted statewide floating homestead exemption. This decision aims to safeguard the financial health of Chattooga County Schools and ensure the continued delivery of quality education for local students.

The Board announced that it will conduct three public hearings to provide community members with the opportunity to voice their opinions and engage in this critical discussion. The hearings are scheduled for the following dates and times: –

Hearing One: Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7:00 AM

Hearing Two: Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM

Hearing Three: Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 5:00 PM

All hearings will be held at the Chattooga County Education Center, and residents are strongly encouraged to attend.

House Bill 581, which was approved by the Georgia General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in 2024, introduces a floating homestead exemption that limits annual increases in taxable home values to the previous year’s inflation rate. While this exemption is designed to provide relief to homeowners, it presents significant challenges for school districts, potentially leading to a decline in local tax revenue without an option to recover funds through the new local sales tax established by the bill.

Board Chair Lori Brady emphasized the importance of this decision, stating, “Opting out of HB 581 was a decision made with the future of our children at heart. This community values its schools, its teachers, and the opportunities we provide to every student. Ensuring stable funding for Chattooga County Schools means we can continue to offer quality education and protect the programs and resources that make a real difference in the lives of our kids. Our students always come first, and this decision reflects that commitment.”

During the meeting, Superintendent Michelle Helie presented a detailed overview of HB 581 and its potential financial implications for the school district. Board members expressed concerns regarding the risks associated with the legislation and agreed that opting out was essential for maintaining the financial stability necessary to support local programs, teacher salaries, and school improvements.

The upcoming public hearings will serve as a platform for community engagement, allowing residents to share their perspectives on the matter. Following these discussions, the Board will take formal action to officially opt out of the exemption by the state-mandated March 1 deadline.