SCCPSS sets millage rate for new budget

by Steven Glover

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education voted to keep the school district’s millage rate the same, but rising property values mean many homeowners across Chatham County will still see higher tax bills.

The board approved the school tax rate at 17.331 mills in a 6-3 vote Tuesday night after a final public hearing at the Whitney Administrative Complex.

District 7 board member Stephanie Campbell, who voted against the rate, said keeping the millage rate the same still results in higher tax collections because of property value increases.

“Keeping the millage rate the same actually means that we are still getting more taxes,” Campbell said.

Even without an increase in the millage rate, the district says higher property assessments mean most homeowners will pay more. For example, for a typical $250,000 home, the change would amount to about $28 more per year.

A resident who spoke during public comment criticized the district’s approach to closing budget gaps.

“I’m concerned that it seems the first steps we always take when we have budget problems is to increase taxes, increase millage rates, increase fees, for the residents of Savannah,” the parent said.

Campbell said the district’s budget is not sustainable and called for stronger financial accountability, pointing to declining student enrollment and rising costs.

“We can’t just keep asking for more and promising that things will be better next year,” Campbell said. “Let’s hold ourselves accountable and demonstrate to the taxpayers that we’re holding ourselves accountable.”

The district has warned in recent weeks that it is facing “new fiscal realities” that could lead to difficult trade-offs, including possible budget cuts.