Barrow County Board opts out of House Bill 581; approves technology purchases and personnel actions

The Barrow County Board of Education voted Feb. 25 to opt out of House Bill 581, the state—loat homestead exemption measure, after a presentation from business services staff and a recommendation from the superintendent.

The decision follows a presentation from Ms. Houston in business services laying out the bill—s impact and the required local process. The board also approved two technology purchases that staff said were needed for upcoming state testing and security upgrades, and it approved personnel contract lists discussed in executive session.

Why it matters: HB 581 caps annual assessment growth on homesteaded properties to the prior year—s inflation rate. Board and staff told members the system could not sustain both the bill—s cap and the age-based senior exemption the board recently approved, and that opting out is the only available local option to preserve the senior exemption and the district—s revenue base.

Bus…