Friday, May 30, 2003

Millage rates rollback approved

Public meeting canceled

Board President Katie Reeves announces that for the fourth consecutive year, the Fulton County Board of Education has approved a rollback of tax millage rates. The rollback, which was approved at a called meeting May 21, means a bottom line of no tax increase.

The board initially advertised a partial millage rollback and, as required by state law whenever millage is not fully rolled back, began holding public hearings to gather comment from the community. With the full rollback now approved, the final public hearing scheduled for May 28 is no longer necessary and has been canceled.

"The full rollback on millage is what our taxpayers want," says Board Member Gail Dean, who in cooperation with district finance staff and incoming Superintendent John Haro led the effort to produce a revenue neutral, no-tax-increase budget proposal.

"The Board is pleased to deliver on its commitment to the taxpayers, students, and employees at the same time."

Dr. Haro attributes the financial good news to a number of factors, including belt tightening, cutbacks on out-of-system travel, a freeze on administrative hiring, and unexpected revenue from improved tax collections.

"In this difficult financial period, we wanted to stay the course, enhance instruction, and take care of our students and staff while not adding an additional burden to the taxpayers," says Dr. Haro.

"I congratulate the School Board for its insight and direction. I am proud of the staff, especially as I move to assume the reins of the school system on July 1. This budget takes care of students and really puts them first. We are going in the right direction," he concluded.

The final budget is expected to be approved by the Board on June 12 at the board's monthly legislative meeting. It begins at 7 p.m. in the Administrative Center boardroom, located at 786 Cleveland Avenue SW in Atlanta.