Proposed tax cap could ease costs for homeowners
Share this @internewscast.com

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — According to state lawmakers, school taxes have soared by almost 90 percent over the past eight years, even though student enrollment has decreased by approximately 1,500 students.

Reps. Ron Stephens and Jesse Petrea said taxes collected for the Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) have climbed from about $253M in 2019 to a projected $440M in 2026.

“You’ve got exponential increases, 111% in seven years for general administrative costs in the Chatham County school system,” Petrea said.

Supporters of the Chatham County Schools Tax Relief act, which passed the state legislature earlier this year, said it’s time for a change.

“I am in support of this because I find that it adds predictability without shortchanging children or education at all,” Stephanie Campbell, who represents District 7 with SCCPSS board said.

Campbell said the spending is not wasteful but reflects higher expectations placed on schools.

“Kids do cost more to educate these days,” she said. “We’re expected in the public school system to do a lot of things that otherwise we wouldn’t have done before, that was just simple education, like reading, writing, math.”

If voters approve of the measure in November, it would create what’s called a “floating” homestead exemption. That means school taxes would be capped at a home’s base year value.

“We in the legislature have no intention of doing anything to decrease funding to schools,” Petrea said.

“Just like before, schools will continue to receive 100% of the revenue from the previous year without losing one penny,” Stephens said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

NHC Predicts Tropical Storm Melissa’s Intensification by Friday

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The National Hurricane Center has warned that Tropical…

Rising Concerns: Gulfport Residents Rally Against Beach Car Camping Surge

GULFPORT, Fla. (WFLA) — Residents of Gulfport are raising concerns over individuals…

Beaufort Launches Major $6.9 Million Stormwater Initiative to Protect Waterfront

The city of Beaufort, South Carolina, has commenced construction work along the…

‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ Delves into a Mother’s Profound Existential Journey

Occasionally, the most compelling movies are those that defy simple explanations, resisting…

Major Bust: BVPD’s Two-Day Operation Leads to 19 Arrests and 11 Felony Charges

The Bristol, Virginia Police Department (BVPD) successfully wrapped up a two-day operation…

Tennessee Senator Advocates for AI Regulations Amid Rising Use of Chatbots by Children for Social Interaction

In today’s world, children are interacting not just with their peers from…

Colombian Burglary Ring Uncovered Following Central Florida Home Invasions

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Authorities in Central Florida have apprehended a Colombian…

United Way Appoints Dynamic New Leader to Propel Growth in Liberty and Long County

A tide of transformation is sweeping through Liberty and Long Counties as…

U.S. Defense Department Targets and Destroys Alleged Narco Vessel in Pacific Operation

On Wednesday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth revealed that the department executed…

Shocking Incident: Blind Man Forcefully Escorted by Federal Agents into Oregon ICE Facility

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Newly released videos capture a disturbing scene where a…

Piatt County Non-Profits Implement Mental Health Initiatives Following Referendum Approval

In Monticello, Illinois, the community is witnessing the positive effects of a…

Bail Determined for Suspect in Johnson City Waffle House Shooting Incident

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The individual accused of firing multiple shots…