DeKalb schools to increase the property tax levy

The DeKalb County School District is telling the public to expect a 6.54 percent increase in property taxes under a proposal that would keep the tax rate flat despite rising property values.

The percentage increase is based on the rise in the collective value of property in DeKalb. The effect on individual property owners will vary based on any changes made to their valuation by county tax assessors. Some may see a reduction in payments or no change. Others may see an increase in excess of 6.54 percent.

Under Georgia law, local governments must advertise a tax increase if they do not roll back the tax rate to a net zero increase in revenue when property values rise. The law also requires several public hearings, and the school board has scheduled three, all at the Administrative & Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain, on June 25 at 6 p.m. and on July 7, at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.