Habersham BOE considering tax increase

CLARKESVILLE - The Habersham County Board of Education is considering a school tax rate hike of more than one mill.

Schools Supt. Robert Costley confirmed Thursday the board has tentatively approved increasing the millage rate to 14.43; it is now 13.35.

Costley says the increase is needed to fund the $15.5 million budget in light of a 9 percent decrease in the Habersham County tax digest. He said the old tax rate would have raised only about $14.3 million based on a 98 percent collection rate.

A final vote is scheduled July 29 at 9:00 a.m.