The city of Gainesville could potentially opt out of House Bill (HB) 581, which relates to the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption. City officials say the decision is intended to simplify the assessment process and alleviate administrative burdens.
“We have all worked together to ensure we are providing our citizens with the most clear and straightforward course of action,” Gainesville City Manager Bryan Lackey said. “This includes streamlining the assessment process and relieving administrative burdens that would come with managing two separate homestead exemptions for each qualifying parcel, while also providing a consistent 3% year-to-year cap.”
The exemption, which would cap property tax assessments at 3% year-over-year based on a property’s 2023 assessment, is being adjusted specifically for the city, Hall County Government and school boards under state legislation passed last year.
HB 581 was approved by voters by referendum during the Nov. 5 general election.
First, Gainesville City Council will hold a series of public hearings where citizens can share their thoughts before the council formally adopts the resolution to opt out. The council must submit this resolution to the Georgia Secretary of State by March 1.
Here are the upcoming public hearings:
- First Public Hearing: 9 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 16, at the City of Gainesville Council Boardroom, 300 Henry Ward Way, Gainesville, GA 30501.
- Second Public Hearing: 9 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, at the same location.
- Third Public Hearing: 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Gainesville Justice Center, 701 Queen City Parkway, Gainesville, GA 30501.
For any questions before the hearings, residents can contact Public Relations Director Christina Santee-Moss via an online contact form.
