Press Release

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: January 23, 2025
Meriwether County School Board Intends to Opt-Out of Georgia House Bill 581
The Meriwether County Board of Education intends to opt out of the statewide adjusted base
year ad valorem homestead exemption for the Meriwether County School District. All concerned
citizens are invited to the public hearing on this matter to be held at the Meriwether County
Board of Education on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 8 AM. Times and places of additional public
hearings on this matter are at the Meriwether County Board of Education on Monday, February
10, 2025, at 11 AM and Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 6 PM.
The Meriwether County School Board wants our county to understand their decision to opt out
of this Bill has not been made lightly. This Bill is confusing, and the language we are required to
use in the public notices only misleads and adds to the confusion. This decision reflects the
Board’s commitment to protecting the financial stability of the school system and prioritizing the
needs of students, staff, and the schools.
The Board supports responsible tax relief; however, failing to opt out of HB 581 would lock the
School System into uncertainty regarding its long-term financial future. It is important to note
that the decision to opt out of HB 581 does not impact the current local freeze exemption,
Georgia’s homestead tax exemption, or exemptions for veterans. We are determined to be
sensitive to the taxpayer’s financial pressures in addition to the needs of our students. Every
person on the Board owns property and pays taxes.
While keeping the school taxes flat through local actions, we have increased teacher salaries to
be more competitive, expanded student support for success, updated our curriculum,
significantly increased school safety, given our teachers more training, and eliminated our debt
thus allowing the School Board to issue bonds in 2024 for the purpose of improving school
facilities. The School Board has a consistent record of responsible use of our taxing authority
and will continue the same common-sense approach. We will continue to be careful managers
of your money and ask that you continue to place your trust in us rather than politicians who do
not live, work, and learn in Meriwether County.
The Board’s decision reflects a steadfast dedication to the future of Meriwether County’s
students and the long-term prosperity of the county.