BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Dan@BcTelegraph.com
The Clay County School Board voted unanimously Thursday to adopt a tentative $665 million budget for the 2026-27 school year and a property tax rate slightly lower than last year’s, though rising home values mean most owners will still see a bigger school tax bill.
The tentative millage rate of 6.223 is down 0.049 from the current 6.272, a reduction driven entirely by a drop in the state-mandated required local effort, Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs Dawn Posey told the board. Every other component, basic discretionary, voted millage and capital outlay , is unchanged.
Because countywide taxable value climbed from $21.9 billion to $22.8 billion, the lower rate will generate $142.2 million, up from $137 million. That exceeds the rollback rate of 6.129, which triggered the state-required advertisement of a tax increase.
“So, Ms. Posey, just to be clear, the millage rate that the board is assessing is less in this budget than the previous budget?” Superintendent David Broskie asked. “But property values determine what the taxpayer actually pays.”
Under a district scenario, a home assessed at $200,000 that gained 3% in value would see its school taxes rise from $1,097.60 to $1,126.36, an increase of $28.76.
The all-funds budget includes a $435 million general operating fund, $122 million in capital projects, $45.5 million in special revenue and $57 million in internal service funds. State revenue fell $6.8 million, with a $4 million increase in voucher and family scholarship payments accounting for much of the drop.
Only one resident spoke during a public hearing. Richard Arnold questioned why two “discretionary” line items appear on his tax bill, noting half his $4,700 tax payment goes to schools. Board member Ashley Gilhousen said the voted discretionary millage was approved by voters four years ago and is fully audited. “Because it’s discretionary does not mean that it is unaccounted money,” she said.
Arnold also pressed the board on state reserves and lottery proceeds. Broskie said roughly 21% of district funding comes from local taxpayers, with the rest from Tallahassee. Board member Michele Hanson noted Clay ranks 24th of 67 Florida counties in population but 64th in taxes collected.
The board also approved the tentative educational facilities plan, which funds roofing, HVAC, playground and safety projects. A final public hearing on the budget and millage is set for 5:05 p.m. Sept. 10.
