Karen Mulzac Watkins Vice Chair, District I | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Karen Mulzac Watkins Vice Chair, District I | Gwinnett County Public Schools
The Gwinnett County Board of Education is set to hold public hearings regarding its decision to opt out of House Bill 581. This legislative measure, which took effect on January 1, 2025, introduces a statewide homestead exemption capping the annual increase in property values for tax purposes. The first hearing occurred on January 16 at 6 p.m., with two more scheduled for February 20 at 11:00 a.m. and 6 p.m. All sessions will be held in the Board Room at the Instructional Support Center located at 437 Old Peachtree Road NW in Suwanee.
House Bill 581 aims to provide property tax relief to homeowners across Georgia but presents funding challenges for school districts. According to current Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures ranging from 2.0% to 2.4%, a homeowner in Gwinnett County with a property valued at $400,000 could save approximately $10 monthly in property taxes. However, this could result in a projected revenue loss of about $35 million for Gwinnett County Public Schools during Fiscal Year 2025-26 and over $100 million across three years.
Residents have the opportunity to voice their opinions at any of the upcoming public hearings without prior registration; sign-up sheets will be available on-site for those wishing to speak. Additional details about HB-581 can be found on the district's website: www.gcpsk12.org/about-us/board/hb-581.
The Gwinnett County Board of Education has expressed its intention to opt out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption specific to the Gwinnett County School District. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend these discussions scheduled for February 20, with locations and times as previously mentioned.
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