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Paulding board hears detailed briefing on HB 581, considers local policy alternative
Summary
Paul‑ ding County school leaders briefed the board on the statewide "floating homestead" proposal (HB 581/HR 1022), reviewed how Quality Basic Education funding and local revenue interact, and proposed a tailored district policy to preserve local control if the board chooses to opt out.
The Paulding County Board of Education heard a detailed presentation on HB 581 and related measures during its Jan. 14 work session, as district leaders warned the board the statewide “floating homestead” approach could materially reduce local school revenue over time.
Superintendent Steve Barnett told the board the constitutional amendment empowered by HR 1022 would allow the General Assembly to create a statewide homestead exemption that limits annual increases in homestead taxable value, and that the amendment also allows local governments or school districts to opt out by following specific procedures.
Barnett said the amendment does not remove existing exemptions such as senior exemptions and stressed that opting out would be a permanent decision for the school board. “Opting out does not impact the existing state or local property tax exemptions, including our recent increase to our senior exemptions,” Barnett said.
The presentation connected the proposal to the district’s finances: Barnett noted Paulding’s revenue mix and funding pressures — QBE (Quality Basic Education)…
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