Latest news with #GwinnettCountySchools
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gwinnett County Schools could be the latest to opt out of Georgia's new homestead exemption
The state's largest school district could soon be joining many other cities, counties and school districts in opting out of the State of Georgia's new homestead exemption law. Most metro Atlanta school districts are considering opting out of HB 581 because they say it leads to less money for classrooms. Gwinnett County Schools is expected to make a decision tonight, but first wanted to hear from concerned taxpayers. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The law would cap property tax increases, but cities, counties and school districts are being given the option to opt of it. 'I can't opt out of paying my electric bill or gas bill,' one concerned citizen said. The school district says if they don't opt out, they'll lose $35 million next year and more than $100 million over the next three years. 'The opt-out provision is clearly against the will of the people,' another taxpayer said. RELATED STORIES: Gwinnett County opts out of Georgia's new homestead exemption law, but not everyone agrees City of Atlanta to opt out of statewide homestead exemption program Georgia lawmakers file bill to extend opt-out deadline for homestead exemptions Starting on New Year's Day, multiple new Georgia tax laws take effect for 2025 Gwinnett County commissioners voted earlier this week to opt out of the exemption. They say their existing tax break is more generous. The bulk of property taxes go toward the school tax and district leaders say any changes could be felt in the classroom. Board members argued that this bill only makes things worse for them, while others think it's wise to opt out in case of future education cuts by state legislators. Another public hearing is scheduled for Thursday night and then the board is expected to make its decision. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Yahoo
Clarkston police arrest suspects in case of man shot to death, set on fire
Clarkston police have arrested three suspects accused of shooting a man and setting his body on fire. They took the trio into custody following a chase in DeKalb County. Brian Rice, Tahj George Rankine and a third suspect face murder and concealing death charges. Police aren't releasing the third suspect's name since he is a minor. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The investigation started on Thursday morning when DeKalb firefighters responded to a brush fire between two apartment complexes on Brockett Road. They found a man's body in the fire. Police said it appears the man had been shot to death before the fire. Officers tracked down the suspects to the area of Parklake Drive. When they tried to arrest them, police said the suspects started a chase with them, DeKalb County police and Georgia State Patrol. The chase ended on Panola Road. NewsChopper 2 flew over the scene and spotted the damage to multiple vehicles. Police said they have not been able to identify the victim because of the burns on his body. TRENDING STORIES: Gwinnett County Schools superintendent dismissed by school board Rapper YFN Lucci released from GA prison House of horrors: Girls, 15, being trafficked for sex rescued by Griffin police [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
