February 14, 2025
The Cherokee County School Board has voted to opt out of Georgia’s new statewide floating homestead exemption, a move that will maintain property tax revenue but has drawn mixed reactions from residents.
Cherokee School Board Rejects Statewide Property Tax Cap
Why Did the School Board Opt Out?
The CCSD estimates that opting into the statewide property tax cap would result in an annual funding shortfall of $7.8 million in 2025 and nearly $50 million over three years. This loss would compound an existing $14 million gap caused by the county's senior school tax exemption.
The board emphasized that declining revenues could lead to:
- Teacher furloughs and potential pay cuts.
- Class sizes increasing due to staff reductions.
- Delays in infrastructure improvements and school expansions.
Public Response: Heated Debate Over Taxes & Schools
While the school board justified the decision as a way to ensure financial stability, critics argued that it undermined the 70% of Cherokee voters who approved the exemption in November.
During public hearings, some residents supported the opt-out, citing the need to maintain quality education. Others, however, felt the exemption would have provided relief for homeowners struggling with rising property taxes.
Projected Benefits of Opting Out
According to CCSD financial projections, rejecting the exemption will:
- Prevent $50 million in lost funding over three years.
- Keep teacher salaries stable and avoid potential layoffs.
- Ensure school expansion projects remain on track for 2026-2027.
- Reduce reliance on state funding, preserving local control over education budgets.
What Happens Next?
With this decision finalized, Cherokee County homeowners will continue to see property tax assessments without the new statewide cap. Meanwhile, other school districts in Georgia are still debating whether to opt out or remain under the exemption.