ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Lee County property owners had another opportunity to share opinions on a proposed three-mill property tax increase at the second of two public meetings held Thursday.

The school district says it needs the additional revenue to recover nearly $3.3 million in refunds and cover rising costs.

Superintendent outlines options

Lee County School Superintendent Kathleen Truitt said the decision was difficult. After E-SPLOST failed earlier this year and costs continued to rise, the board had to choose between increasing the millage rate or making other changes to schools.

Truitt said those changes would include layoffs, larger classes, cuts to activities or services, or a four-day school week. She also outlined what it could mean to turn bus transportation, food service and custodial work over to private companies.

“So, what happens is all of those people lose their jobs,” Truitt said. “They might be able to reapply to the company that privatizes, but there’s no guarantee that the pay or the benefits would be the same. It could limit transportation in major ways. None of these options, none of them are good options.”

Residents react

Megan Childs Weaver said she voted against E-SPLOST for the first time in 20 years, partly because of the tax error. She said it was more to send a message to the school district about spending, and that the district should look harder for ways to save money before raising taxes.

“I don’t understand all the inner workings of what can and cannot be done, but I do understand that every avenue should be explored before we yet again raise taxes on our homeowners, our business owners,” Weaver said. “Then it will affect everyone in the county.”

Allyson Lovelace said she supports continuing E-SPLOST but wants voters to consider it separately from additional school spending.

“My suggestion would be on the E-SPLOST ballot to have a separate vote for continuing E-SPLOST, which I’m for, personally, and another $10 million in spending, which I’m not for, personally,” Lovelace said.

Next steps

The final public hearing on the proposed millage rate is scheduled for Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. The school board is expected to vote on the rate after the hearing.

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