Questions shift to oversight, refunds in Lee tax error

LEESBURG — Questions surrounding a tax calculation error in Lee County are intensifying after a school system official acknowledged concerns about the figures before they were formally approved.

During the Lee County School System’s March business meeting, Finance Director Gary Kelley said he questioned the numbers used to calculate the rollback rate prior to certification but was assured by the state the rate was correct. Despite those concerns, the rate was approved by Board Chair Claire Lang, a decision now drawing increased scrutiny as officials and residents assess the scope of the error and its financial impact.

The rollback rate, intended to offset increases in property values and keep tax revenues neutral, plays a critical role in determining whether taxpayers effectively see a tax increase. In this case, attention has turned to whether the rate was set correctly, and whether earlier intervention could have prevented the issue.

According to Philip Husain, chairman of the Lee County Board of Tax Assessors, the original PT-32 form used in calculating the rollback rate was submitted to the Georgia Department of Revenue in September 2025, prior to his appointment. After taking office, Husain said he was asked to review the figures and identified the error.

Revised PT-32 forms reflecting corrected numbers were subsequently sent to the county’s taxing entities. Lee County commissioners released a public notice indicating refunds will be issued following state guidance and a formal review.

As of this week, the Lee County School System has not publicly outlined how it plans to proceed and has not responded to Husain’s communication.

Mike Sabot, a retired software engineer who serves as chairman of the Lee County Board of Equalization, chairman of the county Board of Elections and vice chair of the Aspire board, was among the first to publicly raise concerns about possible errors in the assessment figures. He said the financial implications for taxpayers could be significant.

Preliminary estimates circulating among local officials suggest county taxpayers could be owed refunds of roughly $90 per $1,000 in taxes paid. If similar corrections are applied at the school system level, some estimates indicate refunds could reach approximately $240 per $1,000.

Those figures have not been formally confirmed by county or school officials.

The city also has confirmed it intends to follow Lee County’s lead in issuing refunds for excess taxes collected, though details on timing and implementation have not yet been finalized.

The central unanswered question remains whether the school system will take similar action.

As of this week, school officials had not publicly outlined a plan to address the issue or indicated whether refunds will be issued. 

For many residents, the focus is no longer just on the error itself, but on accountability and whether those responsible for reviewing and certifying the rate exercised the level of oversight the public expects.

There is no single explanation yet for how the error moved forward despite apparent internal concern. But as more details emerge, pressure is building on school leaders to provide a clear accounting and a path forward for taxpayers.