New Exemptions Prompt West Jackson Fire District Tax-Rate Increase
The West Jackson Fire District will increase its 2027 property-tax rate by 7% to offset revenue lost under new state and local property-tax exemptions. Without the increase, Station 3 construction would be delayed by at least one year.
“The Fire Board prioritizes district safety,” Fire Board Chairman Harry Bryan said. “The entire district is growing rapidly, and we must begin building Station 3 as soon as possible to protect future neighborhoods, schools and businesses in the area.”
West Jackson Fire District is an independent local government, and its elected Fire Board sets the property-tax rate each year. On Sept. 8, 2026, the board unanimously approved increasing the millage rate from 3.39 to 3.63 mills; John Caffin was absent.
Property owners in the fire district will see a 0.24-mill increase on their 2027 Jackson County property-tax bill. For a $481,000 home, the median home value in Hoschton, that equals an increase of $46.18.
The district expects to lose about $500,000 of its $6.2-million budget because of recent senior-citizen school-tax exemptions created by HB 581—which applies statewide—and HB 103, HB 104 and HB 1461, which provide senior-citizen exemptions for some school or county taxes in Jackson County.
In 2018, the district issued a 15-year bond to build Station 2 on Ednaville Road and purchase Truck 31. The Fire Board has followed an aggressive payment plan and will make the final $600,000 payment in 2027, allowing the district to issue a new bond for Station 3 construction. The new station will take three years to build.
By keeping Station 3 on schedule, the district aims to maintain reliable emergency response as western Jackson County continues to grow. The station will be in Hoschton on Hwy. 53 south of Jackson Trail Road.
"This station isn't just a win for the immediate neighborhood—it strengthens fire safety across the district. Adding a third station redistributes the workload, keeps our crews fresh, and ensures every resident receives rapid, dependable service when seconds count,” Fire Chief Ben Stephens said.
Beginning in October 2026, the district’s new ISO Class 2 rating may help some property owners reduce homeowners insurance premiums by 3% to 7%, depending on their insurer and policy. Though unrelated to the property-tax increase, the savings could help offset the added cost for some households.
District property owners are welcome to direct questions to the department or Fire Board using the contact form below, or by calling Station 1 at 706-654-2500.
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