The Chickamauga City Board of Education is proposing to maintain the current millage rate of 14.00 mills for 2026. Although the millage rate will remain unchanged, increases in assessed property values will result in additional local property tax revenue. Overall, this represents a 2.04% increase in revenue. How does this affect property owners? A home with an average fair market value of $275,000 would see an estimated annual increase of approximately $30.80. A nonhomestead property with an average fair market value of $175,000 would see an estimated annual increase of approximately $19.60.
Over the past couple of years, the Chickamauga City Board of Education has taken several steps to provide property tax relief to local property owners.
In September 2023, the Board rolled back the millage rate by 0.25 mills, reducing it to 14.00 mills, to help offset increases in assessed property values. In February 2025, the Board voted NOT to opt out of HB 581, which established a statewide floating homestead exemption that limits annual increases in property tax assessments on homestead properties. The Board of Education also fully supports the senior tax exemptions approved by voters in the November 2025 election.
Together, these measures reflect the Board of Education’s commitment to providing meaningful property tax relief to Chickamauga property owners while supporting eligible senior citizens in the community. Even though some property owners will see a minimal increase in taxes, the school district will actually be receiving less tax revenue than in the prior year as a result of these exemptions.
Due to inflation, rising operating expenses, and unfunded state mandates, the district is experiencing higher costs in areas such as employee benefits, insurance, utilities, technology, instructional materials, and facility maintenance. While the state traditionally provides around 60% of school funding, local funding is critical to the district’s ability to maintain strong academic programs, attract and retain high-quality teachers and staff, and ensure school facilities are properly maintained.
The Board of Education is holding public hearings on September 3, 2026, at 11:00 am and 6:00 pm and September 14, 2026, at 4:30 pm at the Chickamauga City Board of Education Central Office, 402 Cove Rd., Chickamauga, GA.
