-
Newton school board holds first public hearing on 'opting out' of homestead exemption
- 2025/01/24
- 再生時間： 13 分
- ポッドキャスト
-
サマリー
あらすじ・解説
EAST METRO Top Stories for January 24th Publish Date: January 24th Commercial: MORGAN MEDICAL JAN_FINAL From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to The Community Podcast. This Podcast brings you the top stories from the Rockdale-Newton Citizen and the Morgan Citizen. Today is Friday, January 24th and Happy birthday to Neil Diamond *** 01.24.24 - BIRTHDAY - NEIL DIAMOND*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Drake Realty Newton school board holds first public hearing on 'opting out' of homestead exemption Two Morgan Middle School Students Killed in ATV Accident Newton commissioners weigh costs, benefits of HB 581 Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on raw milk These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton, and Morgan Counties! Please like, follow, and subscribe. BREAK: DRAKE (Drake Realty (Geoff) STORY 1: Newton school board holds first public hearing on 'opting out' of homestead exemption The Newton County Board of Education held the first of three public hearings to discuss opting out of the floating homestead exemption under House Bill 581. Board members expressed concerns that the exemption would significantly reduce school revenue, potentially leading to staff cuts, larger class sizes, and increased millage rates. CFO Erica Robinson estimated a $30 million revenue loss over three years if the exemption takes effect in 2026. The board has previously reduced tax burdens and plans more hearings on January 29 and February 4. Board members emphasized the challenge of compensating for lost revenue without affecting the school system negatively. STORY 2: Two Morgan Middle School Students Killed in ATV Accident Morgan County is grieving the loss of two 12-year-old boys, Bennett Rabern and Avett Jackson, who died in an ATV accident on January 20. A third boy, also 12, was hospitalized but is expected to survive. The accident occurred on the Rabern property in Buckhead when the boys, returning from a hunt, were blinded by the setting sun and accidentally struck a parked trailer. The Georgia State Patrol confirmed it was a tragic accident, not reckless driving. The community, including Morgan County Middle School, is offering support and grief counseling. Local officials expressed deep condolences and are providing assistance to the affected families. STORY 3: Newton commissioners weigh costs, benefits of HB 581 Newton County officials are evaluating the floating homestead exemption from House Bill 581, approved by voters in November. They must decide by March 1 whether to implement it. The exemption, effective in 2026, would freeze assessed property values at 2025 levels, capping increases at 3%. Concerns include potential funding shortfalls and increased millage rates. Attorney Aaron Meyer highlighted the exemption's benefits for long-term residents but noted it could shift the tax burden to commercial properties. A Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) could offset revenue losses, but requires agreement from all local jurisdictions. The decision deadline is March 1. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. We’ll be right back Break: WHEELER FUNERAL HOME (08.08.24 WHEELER OBITS_FINAL) STORY 4: Rivian's $6.6 Billion Loan Finalized In The Nick Of Time Rivian finalized a $6.6 billion federal loan just before President Trump's inauguration, sparking controversy as incoming officials threaten to challenge it. The loan supports Rivian's new 16-million-square-foot EV manufacturing plant in Stanton Springs North, Georgia, expected to create 7,500 jobs and produce new SUV and crossover models by 2028. The Department of Government Efficiency, co-chaired by Vivek Ramaswamy and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, criticized the loan, suggesting it needs scrutiny. Reversing the loan would require congressional action, but Rivian continues its plans for the factory. STORY 5: Lawsuit filed in death of man found in locked Sealy trailer Jasmin Jennings has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Sealy Mattress Corp. after her fiancé, Joshua Armour, was found dead in a locked trailer on their property. Armour, who had mental health issues, went missing on October 22 and was later located at the Sealy facility by his family using a phone location feature. Despite their efforts, they were not allowed to search the property. Armour's body was discovered on October 29. The lawsuit alleges negligence by Sealy, as employees were instructed to lock all trailers. The case is under investigation, with unconfirmed reports of burn injuries. We’ll be back in a moment Break: MORGAN MEDICAL JAN_FINAL And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on raw milk *** INGLES ASK LEAH 1 RAW MILK*** We’ll have closing comments after this. Break:...
activate_buybox_copy_target_t1