The Glynn County Board of Education voted Thursday to decrease its millage rate, though it will still amount to a school tax increase to some.
The board approved the 2023-2024 millage rate at a special-called meeting held after a public hearing opportunity during which no members of the public commented.
The board approved a 15.4 millage rate, down from 15.65 mils.
“It’s technically an increase in tax because of the digest increase,” board chair Eaddy Sams said. “For most people, though, especially if you’re under Scarlett-Williams (exemption), your value’s frozen. If you meet those qualifications or if your assessed value didn’t change from last year to this year, the amount of tax that you pay will actually be lower this year because the millage rate’s lower.”
The board unanimously approved the new millage rate 6-0. School board member Hank Yeargan was absent.
Glynn County Schools saw an 11.77% increase this year in the tax digest. The school district will receive a nearly $1.5 million increase in its budget.
Superintendent Scott Spence assured board members at a previous meeting that the school system’s budget will be able to handle the millage rate reduction, even with the approaching end of federal COVID-19 relief funding.
The federal funds, which will expire next year, have covered the costs of additional programs and personnel.
The cost of running the district has also increased with the rise in prices on many supplies and other expenses.