Lumpkin school taxes may rise

DAHLONEGA - Lumpkin County Schools Superintendent Dewey Moye says his school system has weathered the economic storm fairly well...until now. And, he says it looks as if recent state budget cuts will force a tax increase for Lumpkin property owners.

Moye said Friday that Lumpkin County has one of the lowest millage rates in the region.

"It's below Dawson, below Hall, below White, below Pickens County," said Moye. "And we've kept it that low because we've had a strong fund balance."

Moye said he has recommended to the school board an 11-percent school tax hike, which would bring the millage rate to 13.25. Without it, he said it is possible teacher supplements and salaries would be cut, something the county has not had to do yet.

"My recommendaion will be to raise the levy to maintain the teacher supplement, which I think is important," stated Moye.

Before the school board can vote on a tax hike, it must conduct three public hearings on the proposal. Those meetings have been scheduled for Wednesday, August 12 at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday, August 19 at 6:30 p.m. All hearings will be held at the school board offices.

A final vote on the tax hike is scheduled at the August 19 regular board meeting at 7:00 p.m.