Community speaker urges Paulding board to consider local floating homestead tax exemption

Ricky Hess, a member of the public, spoke during the March 18 public‑participation period to urge the Paulding County Board of Education to explore a local version of the floating homestead tax exemption.

Hess told the board the majority of the board previously voted to opt out of the state floating homestead exemption and that some residents seeking tax relief still want a cap or similar relief. "I think that's great. I'm not the biggest fan of the state stepping in on local issues... If it can be done locally, it should be done locally," Hess said, urging the board to begin conversations about a locally tailored approach that would both protect education funding and provide property‑tax relief.

Board members voted earlier in the meeting to suspend the rules and allow Hess, who had not signed up 24 hours in advance as required for non‑agenda speakers, five minutes to address the board; that suspension vote passed unanimously. Board Chair referenced an existing board policy on goals and objectives that affirms the board's responsibility to balance funding needs with taxpayers’ interests and noted the policy text is available on the district website (Sembly).

Hess asked the board to discuss options sooner rather than later so the board would have local proposals ready rather than rely on state action. Board members did not take formal action on the substance of Hess’s request during the meeting; they noted the board policy and the opt‑out vote in response.