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

Decatur Daycare Triumph: Landmark Agreement Prioritizes Children’s Safety and Well-being

For over two years, the Decatur City Council and a daycare facility…

Port Wentworth Ice Cove Celebrates Milestone with Beam Topping Ceremony

PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. – Tuesday marked a significant milestone for Port Wentworth’s…

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…

BCB Outcomes: Pinellas Nonprofit Secures Long-Awaited Donation Funds

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – A nonprofit organization in Pinellas County, dedicated to…

Potential SNAP Benefit Loss Threatens 260,000 South Carolina Households Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — South Carolina officials are sounding the alarm as…

Hampton Fire Chief Shares Insights on Response Times Following Helene Storm

In Elizabethton, Tennessee, the Hampton Volunteer Fire Department is grappling with delays…

Atlanta Airport Threat: Federal Prosecutors Take Action Against Suspect in Chilling Shooting Plot

ATLANTA – On Tuesday, federal prosecutors filed charges against a Georgia man,…

Effingham County’s Remarkable Journey: Fourth Consecutive State Quarterfinals Appearance

SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — The Effingham County Lady Rebels have secured their place…

Arizona Takes Legal Action Against US House: Grijalva’s Swearing-In Delayed

On Tuesday, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, initiated legal action…

Empowering Women in Business: Augusta Metro Chamber’s 2025 Signature Event Unveils New Opportunities

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Augusta Metro Chamber’s Women in Business Program…

Dramatic Taser Deployment Ends Standoff with Armed Theft Suspect

DISCLAIMER: All individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court…

Join the Celebration: Ballad Health’s Community Baby Shower Lights Up Greeneville Hospital!

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Ballad Health held one of its regular Community…