LAMAR CO BOE REDUCING TAX MILLAGE RATE

 August 5, 2022 

Jute Wilson, Ph.D. - Superintendent, Lamar County Schools 

As a follow up from property tax notices that were sent out in May, we would like to take a moment to update you on the status of the 2022 millage rate.

· Notices sent out in May to Lamar County property owners included reassessed values calculated with an estimated tax at the 2021 school millage rate of 16.101.

· A GA State Sales Tax report that was released Aug 4th, 2022 indicates Lamar County properties are considerably undervalued (outside the allowable 2% variance). Lamar County Schools do not plan to appeal the undervalued assessments.

· As published according to state law, Lamar County Schools plan to decrease the school millage rate from 16.101 in 2021 by a full mill to a rate of 15.101 in 2022.

· A millage rate of 15.101 will be the lowest tax rate in Lamar since 2005 (17 years). Our student population has increased 25% since 2005.

· We recognize the burden on property owners. With a millage rate of 15.101. The school system is incurring a deficit budget for the year, projected at -$380,000, which will be deducted from our fund balance