PUBLIC NOTICE
Intent to Opt Out of Homestead Exemption *Updated Hearing Dates*
The Mayor and Council of the City of Pooler, Georgia intend to opt out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption for the City of Pooler, Georgia. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this matter to be held at Pooler City Hall, 100 US Highway 80 SW, Pooler, Georgia 31322 on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Times of additional public hearings on this matter are Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., and Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Please note that the Monday, February 3, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. public hearing has been canceled.
HOUSE BILL 581
Georgia House Bill 581 (HB 581) was signed into law by Governor Kemp on April 18, 2024, and took effect January 1, 2025. The three major components of the bill were (1) a procedural change to property tax assessments and appeals, (2) a new statewide homestead exemption that would automatically apply to local governments unless the body affirmatively opts out, and (3) a provision to create a new local option sales tax.
The statewide exemption is a homestead float that caps increases in property assessments for funds that currently lack such a cap. Each taxing jurisdiction—county, cities, and school districts—must decide individually whether to remain in the program or “opt-out.” The decision to remain in the program or “opt-out” is not a tax increase, and the bill does not replace any existing exemptions Pooler taxpayers may already have.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
In order to consider opting out, at least three public hearings must be conducted and a resolution must be passed by March 1, 2025. These hearings will provide an opportunity for citizens to learn more about the bill, ask questions, and express their views; participation is encouraged. The City of Pooler will hold hearings:
- Monday, February 10, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
- Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. (in conjunction with the regular Council meeting)
All hearings will be held at Pooler City Hall, 100 US Highway 80 SW, Pooler, Georgia 31322. If Council chooses to opt out, a resolution will be voted upon at the regular Tuesday, February 18, 2025 City Council meeting following the final public hearing.
HB 581 FAQs
Q: What are Homestead Tax Exemptions?
A: They are legal provisions that reduce the amount of property tax you have to pay on your primary residence. These exemptions help prevent significant property tax increases by controlling rapid growth in property assessments.
Q: “Will my taxes increase?”
A: No. According to HB 581, taxpayers will receive the exemption that provides the greatest tax reduction. Whether the City of Pooler opts in or out, Chatham County residents with the Stephens Day Homestead Tax Exemption will continue to benefit from it.
Q: “Will my property valuation change with opting in to House Bill 581 versus opting out?”
A: No. Opting out will maintain the current Chatham County tax exemptions. Chatham County already has one of the best homestead tax exemptions in Georgia (Stephens-Day), which has been improved over the past 25 years.
Q: “Doesn’t the Georgia Municipal Association say homeowners already get the best exemption? Why opt out?”
A: HB 581 is a statewide initiative designed to offer homestead exemptions to counties that currently do not have one. While property owners will always receive the most beneficial exemption, HB 581 adds more administrative work for the County Tax Assessor’s Office. Tracking exemptions that will rarely be used is inefficient and could lead to confusion for the public, especially since Chatham County already has a well-established homestead exemption.
Q: “How does the vote from November affect things now? Some people are concerned they didn’t understand what they were voting on.”
A: In 2024, the state legislature placed HB 581 on the ballot for voters to decide the next steps. Voters passed HB 581, which now requires local governments to pass a resolution to either opt out or remain included in the measure. If a municipality does nothing, they are “opting in” as was passed in the referendum.
Q: “Will the Stephens-Day exemption still apply if we opt out of HB 581?”
A: Yes. HB 581 ensures that in counties with multiple exemptions, taxpayers will receive the one that offers the greatest tax reduction. Whether the City of Pooler opts in or out, nearly all Chatham County residents with the Stephens-Day Homestead Tax Exemption will remain within that exemption.
Q: “If we opt out now, can we opt back in later?”
A: Once a local government opts out, it cannot rejoin HB 581. However, a local government can pursue a similar exemption through a traditional process, such as a local act passed by the General Assembly to create a comparable exemption, if they deem it necessary.
Q: “What is the City of Pooler’s current position?”
A: The City of Pooler is still currently carefully evaluating the best course of action. Based on actions and discussions with surrounding municipalities, we are preparing to opt out if that is ultimately determined to be the best option.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For more information on Georgia House Bill 581, please view the resources below:
- Georgia Municipal Association Overview of House Bill 581
- Georgia Municipal Association Legislative Summary of House Bill 581
- Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) Summary of House Bill 581
- Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) House Bill 581 FAQ’s
- Georgia House Bill 581 Legislative Flyer