Tax Notice Hearings
In accordance with Georgia law, the Columbia County School District Board of Education issued a press release last Wednesday, June 21, 2023, in coordination with an advertisement ordered to run in the Augusta Chronicle, announcing three public hearing dates and times to allow citizens to comment on the current millage rate of 17.35 and the future millage rate needed to operate the school district. The newspaper did not publish the scheduled advertisement, which now requires the three public hearings to be rescheduled. Please update any previous reports with the public hearing dates below.
- July 11, 2023 – 5:30 p.m. at the Columbia County Board of Education, located at 4781 Hereford Farm Rd. in Evans
- July 25, 2023 – 5:30 p.m. at the Columbia County Board of Education, located at 4781 Hereford Farm Rd., in Evans.
- August 8, 2023- 6:00 p.m. at the Columbia County Board of Education, located at 4781 Hereford Farm Rd., in Evans.
The Columbia County School District lowered its millage rate to 17.35 mills last year, the lowest since 2012. This was the second consecutive year board members approved lowering the millage rate. It was reduced from 18.3 to 18.1 the year prior. Hearings are required to set the millage rate for the upcoming school year to fund the FY 2024 budget.
The School District’s primary sources of revenue come from state funding and local tax dollars. The Columbia County School District’s FY 2024 budget provides resources to accommodate a growing student population, which is forecasted to add over 400 new students next year. In addition, teaching and learning are the central focus of the school district’s budget, with 84% of the General Fund budget targeted for school-based instructional and student support services.
These valuable dollars are utilized in a fiscally conservative manner while ensuring a high-quality education. The Columbia County School District works diligently to engage, enrich, and inspire students every day. We are proud to support the Columbia County community’s dedication to ensuring maximum success for each student in a safe and positive environment. 