Oconee County BOE sets 3 meetings to discuss millage rate for 2025

The Oconee County Board of Education has set up three public hearings to allow input on its recommendation of 14.25 mills for the fiscal year 2025 budget.

The board reported through its public information office that the hearings will take place at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on July 1 and at 5 p.m. on July 8 at the Oconee County Schools Instructional Support Center on North Main Street in Watkinsville.

The millage rate determines the amount of property taxes a person pays.

The BOE adopted a millage rate of 15.0 mills on June 11, according to the news release. But the board explained that although the recommended millage is decreased, Georgia law requires the millage rate of 14.25 be advertised as a property tax increase because assessed value of existing property in the county has increased since last year.

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The BOE approved a 2025 budget of $114,890,755 and reports that 90% is designated for salaries and benefits and 10% for daily operations, according to the release.

The school system also reported these figures as projected expenses in the budget.

• Four percent salary improvements for all staff ($3,297,000)

• Salary steps creation for years 22 through 30 ($2,187,705)

• Health insurance employer contribution increase ($2,232,170)

• Nineteen new positions ($1,077,328)

• New curriculum ($340,587)

• Teacher Retirement System employer contribution increase ($470,000)

• One-time custodians supplement ($47,367)