Fayette to consider lower millage

Against the recommendation of its superintendent, the Fayette County Board of Education agreed Monday to consider a slight millage rate reduction for the coming fiscal year.

The system currently levies the maximum-allowed 20 mills, but will advertise a rate of 19.75 mills for public discussion before voting next month. The board already passed a 2016-17 budget based on a 20-mill rate; lowering the millage would result in an approximate $1.6 million shortfall for the projected digest. However, the system currently has about $26 million in reserves, which some board members said justifies the tax change but others want to maintain as a hedge against state budget cuts and/or to fund ongoing capital projects.