The biggest concern raised at the Union County Board of Education’s public hearings on June 11 and June 18 regarding the Tentative Fiscal Year 2027 Budget was an increase in rates relating to health insurance coverage.
“Many of the state agencies are seeing an increase in their healthcare costs, and they’re pushing that burden to the local property owner by increasing it for K-12 education,” Superintendent Dr. John Hill explained. “So, it’s coming off the state budget; they’re shifting that, and that’s not right and we need to be aware of that.”
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Specifically, there’s been an increase of $600 per employee, amounting to a systemwide increase of about $225,000. Following a question from Board Member Jason McCarter, Hill said that health insurance costs have been the most expensive single item on the budget to increase annually since about 2019.
“That’s really my biggest concern with the budget,” said Hill, adding that this year’s increase was smaller compared to past years.
Board Chair Tony Hunter clarified that while he believes in “helping our employees,” he agreed with Hill that the rising expenditure was “concerning.” That said, neither the board nor Hill had any potential fixes in mind short of calling on the legislature; the state’s flat rate per employee cannot be changed to reflect local budgets, and switching providers is non-negotiable.
“I’m always concerned when we have to eat something that the state has promised out, because our taxpayers have to make up the difference,” Hunter stated.
Speaking of property taxes, Hill introduced the board and audience to Georgia Senate Bill 33, which limits increases in the taxable value of homes to the prior year’s inflation rate. Unlike Georgia House Bill 581 that Hill compared it to, SB33 cannot be opted out of and will take effect by the 2027 tax season.
Among other budgetary considerations, the Quality Basic Education funding from the state is decreasing by $483,466, down from last year’s $18,371,903 for a total of $17,888,439. Local millage rate revenue is increasing to $10,031,955 – up $546,416 from FY26’s $9,485,539.
Breaking down some FY27 expenditures, the presentation cited operating expenses for power, fuel, propane, water and sewer, and classroom consumables as making up a relatively small part of the budget. Salaries and benefits by contrast made up 86% of the budget.
As mandated by the state, base rate salaries for new teachers with bachelor’s degrees come to $44,771.60, but with an added $34,099.91 from benefits, the total payout amounts to $79,871.51. Meanwhile, ratings for teachers with 30 years of experience start at $93,497, but after $35,795.43 in state benefits, the total becomes $129,293.03.
Next steps for the budget include a July 23 vote to advertise the tentative budget in the local legal organ and final adoption at the Aug. 27 regular meeting.
“We will continue work on the budget between now and July 23 based on the board’s input,” Hill explained.
