MCSD proposes property tax increase due to coronavirus losses. Here’s what to know.
Columbus property owners will be required to pay more in taxes if the school board approves the Muscogee County School District’s plan to cover expenses related to the coronavirus pandemic.
MCSD announced the proposal in a news release Tuesday.
The plan calls for a maximum increase of 3.92% in the millage rate.
“The Board has determined that this proposed mill levy might be necessary to provide the resources needed for all students to achieve as the District continues its efforts to providing premiere services,” MCSD’s news release says. “In recent years, the District has improved on all performance metrics to include the Georgia College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI), SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement (AP), and graduation rates.”
MCSD is facing a a funding shortfall of $16,768,024, according to the news release, and is trying to make up for a reduction in state funding due to the economic impact of COVID-19.
The proposed increase would result in a property tax rate of 24.321 mills, compared to no more than 23.404 mills if it stays the same. So the increase would mean, according to MCSD’s calculations:
- A homeowner whose property has a fair market value of $125,000 would pay approximately $33.47 more in taxes.
- An owner of non-homestead property with a fair market value of $175,000 would pay approximately $64.19 more in taxes.
Georgia law requires the school board to conduct three public hearings before setting the final millage rate. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the board’s hearing will be conducted via video conference and livestreamed on the school district’s YouTube channel the following dates and times:
- July 13, 2020, 5 p.m.
- July 20, 2020, 11 a.m.
- July 20, 2020, 6 p.m.
The board is scheduled to vote on the millage rate July 20 after the 6 p.m. hearing.
To address the board regarding the proposed millage rate, there are online and in-person options:
- For an invitation to participate during the video conference, email a request to Jones.Karen.P@muscogee.k12.ga.us at least three hours before the hearing. After receiving a link, use your computer device to join.
- Residents also can participate in person at the Muscogee County Public Education Center boardroom, 2960 Macon Road, if they arrive no later than 15 minutes before the hearing’s scheduled starting time. Comments will be shared with the board during the video conference. Those who choose this option must wear a face covering and follow social distancing guidelines to lessen the risk of spreading the deadly virus.
This story was originally published July 7, 2020 at 10:11 AM.
