The Oconee County Board of Education unanimously adopted a total millage rate of 17.0 mills, the same as last fiscal year, at the Aug. 6 work session. Public hearings were held Jul. 25 and Aug. 6

Maintaining a millage rate of 17.0 mills represents an increase of 0.843 mills. This is because the assessed value of existing property in Oconee County has increased since last year. Without this increase, the millage rate is no more than 16.157 mills, also referred to as a “rollback” rate. The proposed increase equates to $32.04 per $100,000 in assessed value. Taxpayers whose property has not been assigned a higher value will see no change on their school tax bill.

The fiscal year 2019 budget for Oconee County Schools provides resources to accommodate a growing student population – the fastest growing in Northeast Georgia. The primary revenues to support the budget are state funding and the local tax digest. Other budget highlights are as follows: 

• The school system is one of only two county systems in the state to receive a 5/5 financial efficiency rating.

• The total millage rate for Oconee County Schools remains 17.0, which remains the lowest total mill in over a decade.

• Over 77% of the general fund budget goes to direct instruction and instructional support.

• The budget provides salary scale step increases for all eligible employees.

• The budget provides for the opening of a new elementary school, addition of 18 new teaching positions, one paraprofessional, one bus driver, and two supervisory positions to accommodate student population that is projected to exceed 8,000 this school year.