Dougherty County outlines tentative FY27 budget; warns of pension and health‑insurance cost increases
May 21, 2026 | Dougherty County, School Districts, Georgia
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Superintendent Dyer presented the Dougherty County School System’s tentative FY27 budget at the May 21 board briefing, outlining revenue and resource projections and highlighting rising employer costs that will factor into final decisions.
Dyer said annual revenue is projected at nearly $179 million with total resources available of nearly $214 million (including an anticipated reserve of about $35 million). The tentative plan projects operating expenses slightly less than $182 million and a planned use of fund balance of about $3 million, leaving a projected ending fund balance slightly under $32 million.
On tax policy, Dyer said the board is using the current millage rate of 17.925 for planning because the county’s reassessment results (the tax digest) are not expected until July; he said updated information will allow the board to recommend a lower mill rate when the values are available.
Dyer highlighted several cost pressures: the Teachers’ Retirement System employer rate is rising from 21.91% to 22.32%, and state health plan premiums have doubled over seven years. "Our general fund support for state health premiums this year is projected to be almost $9.9 million," he said, and noted the district has absorbed those costs without increasing the millage in recent years.
The tentative budget includes several new initiatives depending on board priorities, including an Office of Student Career Services to support postsecondary transitions and an Office of Student Support Services to address behavioral supports and chronic absenteeism. Dyer said budget public hearings are scheduled for May 26 at noon, June 4 at 6 p.m., and final adoption is set for June 11 at noon.
Why it matters: The tentative budget frames district priorities for FY27 — staffing, student supports and career services — while signaling pension and health‑insurance cost increases that will constrain options. The hearing schedule gives the public opportunities to weigh in before adoption.
Board did not adopt the final budget at the briefing; the item will return for public hearings and a final adoption vote in June.
Dyer said annual revenue is projected at nearly $179 million with total resources available of nearly $214 million (including an anticipated reserve of about $35 million). The tentative plan projects operating expenses slightly less than $182 million and a planned use of fund balance of about $3 million, leaving a projected ending fund balance slightly under $32 million.
On tax policy, Dyer said the board is using the current millage rate of 17.925 for planning because the county’s reassessment results (the tax digest) are not expected until July; he said updated information will allow the board to recommend a lower mill rate when the values are available.
Dyer highlighted several cost pressures: the Teachers’ Retirement System employer rate is rising from 21.91% to 22.32%, and state health plan premiums have doubled over seven years. "Our general fund support for state health premiums this year is projected to be almost $9.9 million," he said, and noted the district has absorbed those costs without increasing the millage in recent years.
The tentative budget includes several new initiatives depending on board priorities, including an Office of Student Career Services to support postsecondary transitions and an Office of Student Support Services to address behavioral supports and chronic absenteeism. Dyer said budget public hearings are scheduled for May 26 at noon, June 4 at 6 p.m., and final adoption is set for June 11 at noon.
Why it matters: The tentative budget frames district priorities for FY27 — staffing, student supports and career services — while signaling pension and health‑insurance cost increases that will constrain options. The hearing schedule gives the public opportunities to weigh in before adoption.
Board did not adopt the final budget at the briefing; the item will return for public hearings and a final adoption vote in June.
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