Fayette County School Board held the first of three public hearings on the millage rate Thursday morning. Once approved at the final public hearing Aug. 28, the millage rate will increase from the current 18.596 mills to 19.75 mills.

The millage rate had initially been advertised at 19.35 mills, representing a .754 mill increase. But board members last week determined that the increase would not be sufficient in light of Gov. Sonny Perdue’s call for across the board cuts to state departments.

“We found out that the state is looking to cut $2.25 million,” Comptroller Laura Brock told board members. “Increasing the rate (from 19.35) to 19.75 mills would generate another $1.8 million but we will still need to look at other ways to cut since it won’t cover all the state cuts.”

The school board will meet again tonight at 6:45 p.m. to conduct the second public hearing and again Aug. 28 at 8:30 a.m. for the third meeting and a vote.

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