February 24 Board Retreat - Budget Discussion

FY2027 Budget
  Discussion
   2.24.2026
Legislative
 Updates
  2.24.2026
Funding Shift
Net Deficit Created
Net Deficit Created
Impact on ESPLOST
SB382: Property Tax Relief
 • Unlike previous legislation (2024 HB 581 & 2025 HB 92) which allowed local governments
   to opt-out, 2026 SB 382 requires all counties and school systems to apply the homestead
   exemption caps.
 • Passed the Senate and in the House, likely considered a fallback position if HR1114 &
   HB1116 do not gain the necessary support.




                                 Mandates Participation in HB581
HB1105   Statewide Senior Exemption




                      Impact on ESPLOST
Budget Survey
   Results
    FY2027
Budget Survey Results
  • FY27 Budget Survey - Responses & Analysis
      • 2,518 took survey
      • Quantifiable results in graph form
      • Open ended questions dropped into copilot to bring out themes, insightful
        responses and key takeaways.
  • FY27 Budget Priorities
      • Salary & Benefits / Instruction & School Leadership / District Operations
      • Mandatory / Strongly encouraged / As funding allows




                                                                              Funding Shift
Local Senior
 Exemption
Local Senior Exemption
  Age 62:
  · H3 – Full school exemption (≤ $10k GA Net Income)
  · H7 – $22,500 school AV reduction (≤ $40k gross)
  Age 65:
  · H4 – Full school exemption (≤ $10k GA Net Income)
  · H6 – $16,500 school AV reduction (≤ $37,500 GA Net)
  · H8 – $22,500 school AV reduction (≤ $40k gross)
  Age 70:
  · H9 – Full school exemption (≤ indexed Federal AGI cap ~ $107k+)




                                                                      Current Exemption
Local Senior Exemption
 • Option A – Age 65+ with Lower AV Reduction
    • $3,000 AV reduction
    • Similar total cost, broader participation
 • Option B – Senior Value Freeze (Growth Only)
    • Freeze taxable value for DCSD M&O at base-year value
    • Shields seniors from future appreciation increases
    • Minimal immediate revenue impact
    • Long-term cost grows gradually
 • Option C – Expand H9 Income Cap Slightly
    • Maintain age 70 full exemption
    • Increase indexed income threshold modestly
    • Would require actuarial modeling before adoption




                                                             Potential Exemption