Several local governments in Habersham County will hold public hearings this week to discuss the possibility of opting out of HB 581. A new piece of legislation approved by voters that introduces a statewide floating homestead exemption designed to provide property tax relief to homestead-eligible properties.
While many cities are considering remaining in the program, the decision to opt out could have significant consequences for future funding options, including the proposed Flexible Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST). Should any local government opt out, it may jeopardize the implementation of FLOST, a key funding mechanism for future property tax relief.
Local governments that choose to opt out of HB 581 would not be required to adopt the floating homestead exemption. It would allow them to continue collecting property taxes based on property valuations that are not capped by the consumer inflationary rate.
This exemption was designed to ease the property tax burden for qualifying homeowners. Opting out would mean that tax rates remain unaffected by inflation, potentially providing more revenue for local governments.
As of now, Habersham County and the city of Baldwin have already passed resolutions to adhere to the guidelines set forth in HB 581, choosing to implement the floating homestead exemption in order to benefit their residents.
Several local hearings are scheduled for the week of February 10 through February 13. The public hearings allow residents to voice their opinions on the matter and provide input on whether their local governments should opt out or remain in the program.
Scheduled public hearings
Monday, February 10
- Clarkesville: 12 p.m. at City Hall, 123 North Laurel Drive, Clarkesville
- Habersham County Board of Education: 6 p.m. at the Board Meeting Room, 144 Holcomb Street, Clarkesville
Tuesday, February 11
No public hearings are scheduled
Wednesday, February 12
Mt. Airy: 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. at City Hall, 1231 Dicks Hill Parkway, Mt. Airy
Thursday, February 13
- Tallulah Falls: 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. at City Hall, 255 Main Street, Tallulah Falls
- Demorest: 6 p.m. at the Demorest Municipal Conference Center, 250 Alabama Street, Demorest
Residents are encouraged to attend these meetings and participate in the public discussions. The decisions made by elected officials will have an impact on local property taxes. The list of public hearings will be updated as additional meetings are announced.
