The DeKalb County School District announced on May 20 that it has proposed a millage rate of 22.78 mills for the year 2026. The district said this rate is unchanged from the previous year, but Georgia law requires it to be advertised as a tax increase due to rising taxable property values.
The proposal matters to local taxpayers because even though the millage rate would remain at its current level, state law defines any increase above the calculated rollback rate as a tax increase. For homeowners with properties valued at $425,000, the estimated annual tax increase would be about $62.30. Owners of non-homestead properties valued at $725,000 could see an annual increase of approximately $89.00.
Property taxes in Georgia are assessed on 40 percent of fair market value. The school district said this approach helps limit overall taxpayer impact while ensuring funding for safe facilities, competitive teacher pay, and reliable student transportation. These investments are also described as supporting local property values and economic growth.
Three public hearings will be held for community members to comment on the proposed tax change before final adoption. All hearings will take place in the J. David Williamson Board Room at 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard in Stone Mountain: Monday, June 1 at 5 p.m.; Thursday, June 11 at 6 p.m.; and Monday, June 15 at 10 a.m.
Residents can sign up to speak by calling or emailing the school district’s finance office or submit written comments by mail or email. All three hearings will also be streamed live online and archived for later viewing.
