The Lamar County Board of Education voted at its August 19 meeting to lower the school millage rate for the 2026 fiscal year.
In a press release, Lamar County Schools unveiled its plan for easing the tax burden on local property owners while maintaining the district’s focus on student achievement.
The new rate, 12.699 mills, represents a 1.301-point decrease from last year’s 14.000 rate. For taxpayers, this means meaningful relief without sacrificing funding for education.
Board Chairman, Ron Smith commented on the update.
I am pleased that working with the Superintendent to evaluate each line item in our budget we were able to reduce the millage rate this year. Lamar County Schools provides excellent opportunities for students while spending less per student than any other school system in our RESA district.
Georgia law requires a “rollback rate” each year to offset increasing property values. Lamar County Schools has adopted the full rollback. This means property owners won’t see an increase in taxes simply because of higher property assessments.
In past years, Lamar County was required to keep the millage rate at 14.000 to qualify for state equalization grants. These grants are funds provided to districts with smaller tax bases, like Lamar County. Thanks to Senate Bill 44, that limit has now been lowered, giving the district the ability to cut taxes for Lamar County property owners.
Superintendent Dr. Jessica Watson said the school board’s decision shows its commitment to the students and taxpayers.
Our board and district leadership are committed to being responsible stewards of local resources. Implementing the full tax rollback will help lessen the tax burden for property owners while ensuring our students continue to receive exceptional instruction.
Dr. Watson also highlighted the continued importance of ESPLOST, the one-cent sales tax used for facilities, technology, and other capital projects. She noted that 30–40% of ESPLOST revenue comes from visitors, easing the financial responsibility for Lamar County residents.
ESPLOST allows us to invest in needed improvements without adding to the financial burden on property owners.
For many hardworking families, property taxes are a steady burden that never dissipates. This year’s rollback provides a welcome change of pace for the people of Lamar County.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
