written by: Laurie Fleck, CCS Director of Public Relations
CARROLLTON, GA —The Carrollton City Schools Board of Education has announced its intention to lower the millage rate to 17.214 mills for the 2026 fiscal year, down from 17.866. This marks the second consecutive year the system has proposed a full rollback to help offset the impact of rising property values on taxpayers.
According to Georgia law, when the total digest of taxable property is prepared, a rollback rate is calculated. While school districts can set a higher rate to meet operational needs, adopting the rollback rate ensures that property owners will not see a school tax increase due to higher assessments.
“We are proud to lower our millage rate again this year, fully rolling back to prevent an increased tax burden on property owners,” said Dr. Mark Albertus, superintendent of Carrollton City Schools. “It is always the goal of our school system to be good stewards of public funds while delivering safe, high-quality learning environments that our families expect.”
The millage rate is the district’s primary source of operational funding, supporting teacher and staff salaries, safety resources, classroom materials, transportation and other essential services.
School leadership has engaged in careful budgeting and financial planning to ensure the rollback does not compromise the quality of education. The district hopes that easing the tax burden on residents will stimulate local economic growth, leading to a more prosperous community that supports future generations of students and teachers.
Albertus also noted the continued support of ESPLOST, a one-cent sales tax on consumer goods designated for capital projects, as a key part of the district’s financial stability.
“ESPLOST allows us to invest in updated facilities and technology, without adding to the financial burden on property owners,” he said. “This option spreads the cost among people who shop in the county, including visitors who contribute an estimated 30-40% of the revenue.”
The school system is experiencing consistent enrollment growth each year, prompting a new classroom addition at Carrollton Middle School to accommodate the rising number of middle-grade students.
“We are committed to regularly reviewing the millage rate to balance taxpayer relief with the needs of a growing school system,” said David Godwin, chairman of the Carrollton City Schools Board of Education. “Our goal is to build a sustainable financial future while maintaining the educational standards our community takes pride in.”
The board will vote and is expected to formally adopt the proposed rollback rate at its next meeting on July 8.
