Richmond County’s Board of Education held its first public meeting regarding millage rates at noon Aug. 9.
The decreased millage rate will still be more than the recommended full roll back rate of 16.821 mills, but will be lower than last year’s adopted rate of 19.312 mills.
At the meeting, Chief Financial Officer Bobby Smith spoke on the slight decrease in the millage rate as a result of increased funding from the American Rescue Plan.
According to a press release from Richmond County, the new decreased rate of 17.650 mills will be the lowest rate in almost 20 years.
MORE: Richmond County School System releases video to explain millage rate
With the millage rate, the school board hopes to continue using tax dollars to provide the latest technology and textbooks, competitive salary rates for teachers to help retain them and maintain existing transportation.
Following Smith’s brief presentation, the board opened the floor for public complaints, but there were none. After a minute of silence, the board adjourned the meeting and reminded the attendees of the second meeting which will also serve as a time for the public to ask questions and raise complaints.
A second hearing was held at 6 p.m. Aug. 9. The Richmond County Board of Education will hold another meeting to adopt the millage at 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at the board office, 864 Broad St.
Liz Wright is a correspondent for The Augusta Press.
