Round County board approves tax rates for 2025‑26 school year; property rate set lower than prior year

The Round County Board of Education approved the district's tax rates for the 2025–26 school year at the Aug. 19 meeting, voting to take a 4% revenue option while lowering the property rate compared with the prior year and to continue the motor vehicle tax at the state‑specified rate.

During the presentation, the presenter, Mr. Glenn, explained the district’s rationale: “we do rely heavily on local taxes,” he said, and recommended taking the 4% option to help the district remain competitive on salaries. Glenn told the board that property valuations in Round County rose more than the 4% percentage, meaning the recommended action would allow the district to lower the rate and still realize increased revenue.

Mr. Glenn said last year’s property rate was 53.8 and the proposed rate for 2025–26 would be 53.2 (with personal property at 53.0). The board approved the recommended property tax motion by voice vote; the motion passed. The board then separately approved continuing the motor vehicle tax at 49¢ per $100 of assessed valuation for the 2025–26 school year — a rate the presenter said is set by the state and must be shown in the minutes.

Why this matters: Property‑tax revenue funds district operations and salaries. Board members said the intent is to use local revenue growth to support compensation and to keep the district competitive in the region.

Motions and votes: The board took the property‑tax motion first (to take the 4% increase with exoneration, yielding a presented rate of 53.2) and approved it by voice vote. The board then moved and approved the motor vehicle tax continuation at 49¢ per $100 assessed valuation; board members voiced “aye” and the motions passed.

The district will record the rates in the minutes and incorporate the revenue into the 2025–26 budget development process.

The tax‑rate approvals were routine budget governance actions required before the fiscal year begins.