School board proposes tax increase

The Pike County Board of Education recently announces its intention to increase the property taxes it will levy this year for Maintenance and Operations (M&O) by .71 mills. Before the board of education can set a final millage rate, Georgia Law requires that three public hearings be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on this increase.Pike County board of education has set M&O mill rates for the last 4 budget years that reduced real tax dollars received for school operations by 5.15% in the aggregate. Through last budget year 2016, taxes levied was almost $350,000 less than in 2011. ’The board of education’s local tax policy, reflected by these numbers, was sustained in a period of severe economic recession that saw an unprecedented decrease in state educational funding,’ said school financial director Ken Carter. ‘The tentative M&O millage rate will collect funds to begin restoring financial stability lost by following this very conservative tax policy. Local tax dollars provided by Pike County citizens also meets the Board’s annual goal of providing a rigorous educational experience for our children. The Board of Education, along with the community at large, understands the value of an educationally strong, financially stable school system. This proposed tax levy and the fiscal 2017 budget is constructed to meet those community wide goals.’The board of education is currently engaged in an aggressive repair and renovation program that will yield community benefits for years to come. As approved by voters in November 2015, the board issued bonds that will fund a variety of voter-approved projects including educational building renovations and stadium refurbishing. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to be held at the Pike County Schools board room, 7450 Highway 19 South in Zebulon on Aug. 11 at 11:45 a.m., on Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. and on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.