Bibb County School District makes final decision to opt of out tax break. What it means

The Bibb County School District voted 7-0 Wednesday to opt out of House Bill 581, a floating statewide homestead exemption legislation that promises property tax relief for homeowners.

Board member James Freeman was not in attendance at the called meeting, but other members voted unanimously.

Over 60% of Georgia voters approved the legislation during the November 2024 General Election. HB 581, also known as the Save Our Homes Act, limits the amount of annual tax increases allowed on the assessed value of homestead properties to the rate of inflation.

This cap on increased taxes was set to become effective on Jan. 1 unless local governments or school districts chose to take advantage of a one-time opportunity to opt out.

School officials said opting out of the bill means that the district can keep collecting tax revenue with no caps in place.

“HB 581 introduces significant changes to property tax caps, homestead exemptions, and school funding. The decision to opt out will ensure long-term financial stability and flexibility for the district, protecting essential revenue streams necessary for student achievement, staff effectiveness, and stakeholder engagement,” the district stated in its board of education newsletter.

As part of the opt-out process, Bibb County Schools held three public hearings.

BCSD Chief Financial Officer Eric Bush previously noted that opting into HB 581 would have resulted in over $700,000 of revenue lost for the 2024 fiscal year alone, as well as an overall long-term impact.

“It’s important to note that we’re talking about a 50-year decision, which increases the importance of understanding what the impact is in the lens of the future of the district,” Bush said at the district’s first public hearing in January.

Several local residents online criticized the district’s intent to opt out. However, no opponents of the decision attended either of the district’s mandatory public hearings, according to school officials and district records posted online.

Macon resident Carolyn Hargrove was the only person who requested to address the board on Wednesday. She said she wanted to support the district’s decision to opt out of the tax freeze, despite voting for it during the election.

“I want Bibb County to have a good school system. I think it’s important to all of us who live here, not just the students, but also the families that are sending their kids to school,” Hargrove said at the hearing.

“I think the citizens of Bibb County deserve to put their faith in the school board, and I think our students deserve to have an excellent education,” Hargrove added. “I’m willing to pay for that. I think it’s money well spent.”

Bibb County Schools will move forward with next steps to file the resolution with the Secretary of State’s office by March 1, the district said.

Houston County School District and Monroe County School District will hold their upcoming public hearings on the legislation on Feb. 11.