Bulloch County school board votes on tentative higher millage rate

BULLOCH COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Bulloch County Schools is facing a $15 million dollar in its 2026-2027 school year budget.

A deficit Bulloch County superintendent Charles Wilson credits to a multitude of things, such as inflation, loss of previous funding and the school’s history of taking the rollback rate.

“If we want to continue to do that we have run out of running room to do that, and keep the millage rate low,” said Wilson.

The Bulloch County Board of Education voted Wednesday night to adopt a tentative millage rate of 10.400 mils which equals a nearly 40% tax increase. The current rate is 7.446 mills.

This proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $300,000 would be approximately $348.57, while for a non-homestead property valued at $275,000, the increase would be approximately $324.94.

The Board of Education has previously approved a budget based with a lower millage rate.

A school board member pointed out increasing the rate would feel like going back on their word.

For three hours the board and community members debated the possibilities which included finding more room to trim spending.

However, the superintendent felt the tax increase was unavoidable.

“It’s a values based commitment, and with those things come trade offs and responsibilities so here we are,” said Wilson.

Retention and operations are the superintendent’s biggest pushes for supporting the raise.

“Raising the millage rate 3 mills is a decision that honors your purpose and ours,” said one woman who was in favor of the millage increase.

The vote passed with 5-3 and board members Lanier, Mock and Nevil all voting against the increase.

This vote means the board will now have to hold hearings on the new proposed millage rate.