Catoosa County Board of Education raises property taxes to make up $3.5M shortfall

July 17, 2026 - 09:53

The Catoosa County Board of Education voted unanimously this week to raise the local millage rate by 1.5 points, bringing it to 15.750. The move translates to a more than 17 percent increase in property taxes for homeowners in the district. School officials said the hike was necessary to cover a $3.5 million shortfall in the upcoming budget.

The primary driver of the deficit is a new tax exemption for older adults that residents approved by a wide margin in a May referendum. While the exemption was popular with voters, it significantly reduced the system's revenue stream. Board members acknowledged the difficult position of raising taxes after the community voted for relief, but argued that state funding has not kept pace with rising operational costs, including teacher salaries and facility maintenance.

The new rate will apply to the current tax year. School leaders stated they have already cut non-essential spending and will continue to look for efficiencies. The board emphasized that without the increase, the district would have been forced to eliminate programs and lay off staff.