An independent review has affirmed the Cherokee County School Board’s decision to opt out of the statewide homestead property tax exemption, saying that the district’s potential revenue losses from not opting out were higher than initially reported.

The Cherokee County school board voted in February to opt out of House Bill 581, which created a statewide homestead property tax exemption that limits property tax increases for homeowners to no more than the rate of inflation. A majority of Georgia voters in November passed a referendum through HB 581.

A provision of the law allowed local governments a one-time opportunity to opt out of the cap, so long as they advertise their intent and hold three public hearings before voting on a resolution to do so. CCSD held these public hearings pri

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