Possible millage increase for Jackson County Schools

The Florida Educational Finance Program requires each school district to raise a certain amount of money locally.

"For Jackson County, that is around 15 percent of our total budget is generated locally," Jackson County Superintendent of Schools Larry Moore said.

Jackson County School District's total millage last year was 5.959.

Moore had proposed an increase of .136 mills.

"What that in turn would mean to the taxpayer is a $10.20 increase for the year for someone with a taxable value of $100,000 for their home," Moore said.

Owners of a $200,000 home would pay just under $2 a month more.

"Ten years ago the millage rate was 6.45. That was in 2011, so it's actually decreased," Moore said.

Officials say they'd like to use the extra money to finish up the new Marianna K-8 School.

They'd also like to combine Graceville elementary and high schools.

"Both will help free up general fund dollars where we can utilize funding in the classroom more," Moore said.

There's also talk of one day building a K-8 school for the Grand Ridge-Sneads area.

"Hopefully utilizing the same type funding that's building the school here in Marianna, the special facilities funding through the Department of Education," Moore said.

School board members are expected to vote on the millage rate at a meeting Tuesday. It starts at 5:01 p.m. at the school board office.