Board of Education set millage rate in called meeting Monday 

PERRY — The Houston County Board of Education held their third and final hearing on the proposed millage rate. Similar to the previous two hearings, Chief Financial Officer of the Houston County School District, Michelle Morris, spoke in favor of the proposed millage rate of 11.719 mills, the same rate as last year. 

“In 2023, our millage rate was 13.183, in 2024, we reduced the millage rate by 1.464 mills to come up with 11.719 and for 2025, we are asking it to remain unchanged,” Morris said. 

The Houston County School District’s millage rate ranks 165th out of 180 school systems. 

“Property owners in 164 school districts faced higher millage rates, which likely resulted in higher property taxes,” she said. 

The school district’s millage rate is not increasing, however, Morris said the higher values in overall commercial and residential properties mean the State considers it as a tax increase. 

“Only property owners whose reassessment went up would see a tax increase,” she said. 

For owners with no increase, their taxes would stay the same. Owners with a decreased reassessment would see a decrease.

Morris then provided some statistics on the school district itself. She said they are the second largest employer in Houston County and the 12th largest school district in the State of Georgia with over 30,800 students, a number which will continue to grow. 

Morris also explained what property taxes help pay for in the school district. One main component is to retain the most qualified teachers and support staff. Other resources they pay for include: School Resource Officers, instructional material, technology for students and teachers and transportation costs. 

Morris mentioned 100% of their state health insurance costs to classified employees and recurring expenses for over 45 facilities are also paid from property taxes. 

“Our Board of Education continues to prioritize transparency and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while meeting the needs of a growing student enrollment and community,” she said. 

The Board unanimously approved the setting of the 2025 Houston County School District millage rate at 11.719 mills. 

In other new business, the Board approved the purchase of 2025 Blue Bird buses. This purchase has a financial impact of $391,800. 

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Houston County Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, September 9, at 1 p.m at the Board Office in Perry. The full agenda of this meeting can be found at simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=4089&MID=127748&Tab=Agenda&enIID=b7pT2M8J86u6zGOgD0Kq5Q%3D%3D