The Camden County Board of Education intends to opt out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption for the Camden County School District and announces the three required public hearings as part of that process. The hearings have been scheduled for the following dates and times at the Camden County Board of Education District Office, located at 311 S East Street, Kingsland, Georgia 31548:
10:00 a.m. Friday, January 31st
10:00 a.m. Monday, February 10th
6:00 p.m. Monday, February 10th
Georgia House Bill 581 (HB 581) took effect on January 1, 2025, and is expected to negatively impact local schools by significantly limiting the funding that school districts receive for their budget.
HB 581 establishes a statewide floating homestead exemption that limits the annual increase in property tax assessments on homesteaded properties to the inflation rate of the previous year. While the legislation would reduce the tax burden on homeowners on the surface, it could lead to an increase in the millage rate to offset the revenue difference.
The state legislation provides school districts, counties, and municipalities only one opportunity to opt out. By not opting out, the district and BOE would lose local control over property tax policies along with the ability to tailor tax rates and exemptions to specific community needs and fiscal conditions.
The three public hearings are the first step in the opt-out process. Following the hearings, the board is scheduled to act on an opt-out resolution at its regular meeting schedule for 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 11th. If passed, the resolution is due to the Georgia's Secretary of State's office by March 1st.
It is important to note that this decision to opt out will not affect any existing exemptions for Camden County residents.