Ware County Tax Commissioner Roger Collins informed the Ware County Commission and citizens Monday, September 9 there are two pieces of legislation on taxes being considered by the Georgia Assembly.
Following is the language for the constitutional amendment from HR 1022. Citizens will vote on the amendment in the November 5 General Election. All of HB 581 is contingent upon its passage.
“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by general law for a state-wide homestead exemption that serves to limit increases in the assessed value of homesteads, but which any county, consolidated government, municipality, or local school system may opt out of upon the completion of certain procedures?”
Collins said the General Assembly needed a constitutional amendment to allow for the local governments to opt out.
He explained Ware County has a homestead exemption available to all property owners where you can freeze the valuation of your property so it can never go up. The freeze is not automatic and must be applied for, he said.
The constitutional amendment proposed in HR 1022, if passed, will provide for a uniform state homestead exemption and “serves to limit increases in the assessed value of homesteads.” It also provides for any local government entity that receives property taxes to opt out of the legislation.
Collins said he recommends citizens vote “yes” on the amendment to the state Constitution because of the homestead exemption “freeze” option Ware County taxpayers enjoy which makes moot any increases in property valuations.
