Bulloch County Board of Education approves almost 40% property tax raise in final vote

BULLOCH COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - [UPDATE 8:52 p.m. 8/21/2025] The Bulloch County Board of Education has voted 6-2 in favor of raising its millage rate to 10.400 mills.

[ORIGINAL STORY] The Bulloch County School Board is about to take a final vote on a plan that could hike people’s property taxes by about 40% Thursday night.

Neighbors for and against it made their last-minute pleas to the board Thursday afternoon just like the dozens that have before them.

Since July, some residents have been vocal about the impacts of raising the proposed millage increase to 10.4 mills, which in turn would create a total property tax increase of around 40% for fiscal year 2027.

People for the tax increase say they’re concerned about hundreds of staff and teaching positions potentially being cut.

“Your legal duty is not to keep taxes low at all costs, it is to prioritize student well-being,” said resident Maura Copeland.

Two student support organizations have already been given notice of elimination for the 2027-year.

“125 teachers. 125 jobs impacting 125 families directly. Hundreds of more families beyond that too because those are teachers that teach these kids in our schools,” said Adam Brady, resident. “My family will be impacted by that.”

“This isn’t just about saving jobs, it’s about saving our most at risk children,” said Tricia Kirkland, who was speaking on behalf of the LIFE program.

This is how the tax hike would impact local taxpayers.

According to district leaders, the proposed tax increase for an average Bulloch County home with a fair market value of $300,000 is approximately $348.

For a non- homestead property, with a fair market value of $275,000 is approximately $324.

Some of those against the increase say they simply cannot afford it.

“I’m going to end up having to do something drastic because I cannot afford the taxes that keep going up,” said Joy Lee.

“By raising your millage rate as it is you are driving the senior citizens deeper and deeper into debt,” said resident William Emley.

WTOC will have an update once a final decision has been made.