Baldwin County School District to host final HB 581 hearing

The hearing will take place at the Baldwin County Board of Education building, located at 110 N. ABC Street in Milledgeville.

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/ WMGT) – The Baldwin County School District will hold its third and final public hearing on February 13, to discuss potentially opting out of Georgia House Bill 581. The hearing will take place at the Baldwin County Board of Education building, located at 110 N. ABC Street in Milledgeville.

HB 581 introduces a statewide homestead exemption that caps annual property value increases for tax purposes, limiting growth based on the previous year’s inflation rate. While intended to provide tax relief for homeowners, the bill could significantly impact local government and school district funding, which relies heavily on property taxes.

The bill allows local governments a one-time opportunity to opt out. The Baldwin County Board of Education is holding these hearings to gather community input and discuss the potential financial implications for the district. Board members are concerned that the revenue cap imposed by HB 581 could make it difficult to maintain current educational programs and resources.

The board emphasizes that opting out of HB 581 would not affect any existing homestead exemptions for Baldwin County residents. They are urging all residents to attend the hearing and participate in these important discussions about the future of public education in the community.