As Georgia voters approach the Nov. 3 midterm elections, promises to cut property taxes are colliding with school districts’ efforts to keep up with rising costs and protect public services. Fulton County Schools has scheduled two public hearings in October on a proposed property tax increase. Clayton County’s school board approved a higher rate this year, as district leaders cited inflation and pressure on their budgets. The debate comes after property tax bills rose substantially across the state. A recent analysis found median bills had increased by at least 20% in 117 of Georgia’s 159 counties in recent years. Some metro Atlanta counties, including Clayton and Rockdale, saw increases of more than 50%. Clayton County approved a 0.4-mill increase, moving its school tax rate from 19.6 to 20 mills. The district estimates the change will add about $63 a year to the bill for a home valued at $250,000. Fulton County is considering an increase from 17.08 to 18.08 mills, which the district estimates would add about $89 annually to the tax bill on a home of the same value. A mill is one dollar of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. In Georgia, homes are generally assessed at 40% of their market value before applicable exemptions. Clayton Superintendent Douglas Hendrix said inflation has strained district finances. The district has reviewed staffing and spending and deferred some maintenance, he said, while trying to preserve services and opportunities for students. Property taxes are a major source of local funding for schools, including operating costs and capital projects, said David Sjoquist, an emeritus economics professor at Georgia State University. Replacing that revenue is not straightforward: proposals to shift more of the burden to sales taxes could leave school budgets more exposed to changes in consumer spending. The tax-cut push extends beyond Georgia, with politicians in several states campaigning on reductions. In Georgia, the proposals are unfolding as some districts seek higher millage rates to meet their budget needs, leaving voters to weigh homeowner relief against the funding schools rely on.