Savannah Standard

The City of Savannah is set to conduct three public hearings in February concerning Georgia State House Bill 581. The city aims to opt out of this bill, which introduces a statewide homestead exemption. Currently, property owners in Savannah benefit from the Stephens Day Homestead Exemption, which offers greater protections and lower taxes than those proposed by HB 581.

By opting out, Savannah seeks to shield property owners from potential tax hikes. If the city were to adopt HB 581, it might conflict with the existing exemption, possibly resulting in increased property taxes for current beneficiaries.

In the 2024 legislative session, House Bill 581 was passed by the Georgia General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Kemp on April 18, 2024. The legislation includes several changes affecting local government revenue.

The bill's main components involve a procedural change to property tax assessments and appeals, a new statewide homestead exemption applicable unless local governments opt out affirmatively, and a provision for creating a new local option sales tax.

As detailed in state constitutional amendment HR 1022 and HB 581, the opt-out process mirrors the "public notification of a tax increase" required when local governments do not fully rollback their millage rate. To opt out, Savannah must advertise and hold three public hearings, pass an opt-out resolution, and submit it to the Secretary of State by March 1, 2025.

Residents are invited to attend these hearings scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m., and Thursday, Feb. 13 at both 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., at the Eli Whitney Administrative Complex located at 2 Laura Avenue, Building G.