The Polk County Board of Education is proposing a property tax increase as part of its tentative plan to adopt a new millage rate for the upcoming year, prompting concerns—and opportunities—for public feedback.

School officials have announced their intent to set the 2025 millage rate at 15.00 mills, an increase of 1 mill from last year’s figure. If approved, this would result in a 13.16% rise in property taxes compared to the previous year. In contrast, maintaining the current revenue without the increase would require a rollback rate of 13.256 mills, based on the latest tax digest.

Residents who want to weigh in on the proposed increase will have a final opportunity to do so at a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, August 12 at 4 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Board of Education office, located at 612 S. College Street in Cedartown, and will coincide with the board’s regular monthly meeting. A vote on the millage rate is expected to follow.

The impact of the proposed increase varies based on property value. According to district estimates:

  • A home with a fair market value of $225,000 would see an increase of approximately $153.47.
  • A non-homestead property valued at $125,000 would face an estimated increase of $87.20.

If adopted, the new rate would generate around $26.4 million in maintenance and operations (M&O) revenue for the district—roughly $2.5 million more than last year. M&O funding, largely fueled by property taxes, plays a key role in supporting day-to-day school operations.

Earlier this year, Polk County residents received property assessments showing projected taxes based on an estimated school millage of 16.00 mills, which is higher than the rate now under formal consideration.

While the school board is moving forward with its proposed rate, other local taxing authorities—including Polk County and area municipalities—have yet to publish their 2025 millage rate proposals but are expected to do so in the coming months.

Additional information on the tax digest and millage proposal can be found at: polk.k12.ga.us/page/taxdigest.