Press Release

The Bartow County Board of Education intends to opt out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption for Bartow County School System. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this matter to be held at Bartow County Board of Education located at 65 Gilreath Road Cartersville, GA 30121 on January 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Times and places of additional public hearings on this matter at Bartow County Board of Education located at 65 Gilreath Road Cartersville, GA 30121 on January 21, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. and January 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

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PRESS RELEASE ANNOUNCING HEARINGS RELATED TO THE FLOATING HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

The Bartow County Board of Education announces its intention to hold public hearings to address the passage of the statewide referendum which amends the Georgia Constitution and places a floating homestead exemption on all eligible residential properties. This referendum significantly changes the Constitutional authority of school boards, city councils, and boards of commissioners. A floating exemption means individual property tax assessments cannot increase by more than the inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer Price Index or similar method, in any given year unless the property is sold or significantly improved during the year, regardless of any increase in value arising from actual market conditions.

The Bartow County Board of Education will be holding public hearings as outlined below to gather feedback and concerns regarding the decision to opt in or out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption. This decision specifically concerns the floating homestead exemption, while all other approved exemptions will remain in effect.

The Bartow County School System is dedicated to ensuring both financial responsibility and academic excellence. The District works hard to maximize the use of taxpayer funds while providing a quality education for all students. By balancing fiscal responsibility with a strong commitment to educational quality, the Bartow County School System aims to effectively serve the diverse needs of its student body. The System must focus on retaining employees by offering competitive salaries and benefits, maintaining adequate class sizes, and ensuring that students and families have access to strong educational resources. Balancing financial responsibility with educational excellence is key to fostering a successful learning environment for all students.

There has been a good faith effort to adjust millage rates, considering the increased inflation rates that increase the cost of doing business. The District has continued to reduce the tax burden for homeowners throughout Bartow County by consistently reducing millage rates since 2016, increased the basic homestead exemption from $5,000 to $15,000, and adopted the senior tax exemption. Decisions regarding potential revenue reductions, such as through the floating homestead exemption, must be carefully considered to ensure the District’s instructional and operational needs are met.

All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this matter to be held at Bartow County Board of Education located at 65 Gilreath Road Cartersville, GA 30121 on January 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Times and places of additional public hearings on this matter at Bartow County Board of Education located at 65 Gilreath Road Cartersville, GA 30121 on January 21, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. and January 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

Alisha Evans

January 2, 2025