The Troup County School Board voted 6-0 to keep its millage rate at 18.85, which is where it’s been since 2005. Board member Joe Franklin was not at the meeting.

“There’s been years that the tax digest has had growth in it and instead of taking the increase or decrease, the board has chosen to leave that the same,” said chief financial officer Byron Jones.

“If you don’t choose to roll it back and keep the same amount of money, you’re considered having a tax increase, which means you now have to have three public hearings. So essentially, we’re leaving the rate of taxation the same, but we’re going to bring in a little bit more money.”

Jones said no one chose to speak at any of the public hearings.

The rate dropped from 19.28 to 18.85 in 2005. Jones said they can legally raise the rate up to 20.

“We’re pleased that we were not able to have to increase that,” Jones said.

The rate now needs to be approved by the Troup County Board of Commissioners Tuesday.