The Hall County Board of Commissioners is currently reviewing the option to opt out of House Bill 581, the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption, for the county even as some state lawmakers talk of amending the legislation to make participation mandatory.
The county’s plans follow the Gainesville school board’s decision to opt out as well as the Gainesville Mayor and City Council. The county school board began a series of public hearings on the issue Monday. EARLIER STORY. POSTED JAN. 15: Add Hall BOE to the list of public bodies opting out of HB 581
“After careful evaluation of House Bill 581, Hall County Government is considering opting out of the statewide homestead exemption,” County Administrator Zach Propes said. “Should the Board of Commissioners choose to opt out of House Bill 581, Hall County will follow the local 3% maximum cap moving forward, which would eliminate the drastic increases in property taxes due to market value fluctuations as we’ve seen over the past few years.”
Hall County is one of the few counties in the state of Georgia with local legislation capping property assessments in addition to the statewide bill, as Hall County voters passed both referendums on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot.
“By following the local 3% exemption, we would streamline the annual assessment process and eliminate administrative burdens, such as time and cost,” Propes said. “Our goal is to be an efficient and financially prudent government while also honoring the voters by implementing the intent of eliminating drastic property tax increases due to market value adjustments, and the local 3% exemption would accomplish both for Hall County.”
As part of this process, the Hall County Board of Commissioners will hold several public hearings before considering the adoption of a resolution to opt out. The resolution, if approved by the Board, must be filed with the Secretary of State by March 1. The hearings will be held in the county government center (pictured) on Feb. 12, 6:00; Feb. 24, 3:00; and Feb. 27, 6:00. The hearings will be in the commissioners’ 2nd floor meeting room.
For questions leading up to the scheduled public hearings, contact the county’s Public Information Office at [email protected].
Some state lawmakers, upset with the number of local governing bodies opting out or considering doing so, say they may revisit the issue with an eye toward making participation mandatory. EARLIER STORY. POSTED TUESDAY: Opting out of opting out?