Plains homeowners could get a city tax exemption if voters approve

The City of Plains would exempt an annually determined amount of eligible homestead property's assessed value from its city property taxes. It would cover residents with homestead property in the special district that includes Sumter County. It would apply only to City of Plains taxes; value above the exempt amount would remain taxable. The exempt amount would be determined each year based on net proceeds from the Local Homestead Option Sales Tax collected in the special district. A person would generally need to apply. A person who received a city homestead exemption for the same home in the prior tax year and remains eligible would not need to apply again. After the exemption is granted, it would renew each year while the person lives in the home and remains eligible. The person must tell the city if they become ineligible. If voters approve, the exemption would apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2039.

The City of Plains election superintendent would hold an election asking local voters whether to approve the measure. Only City of Plains voters who live in the special district would vote on the measure. The measure would take effect only if it receives the required two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers and more than half of the votes cast in the election are yes votes. If voters reject the measure or the election is not held as required, the exemption would not take effect and the measure would be repealed 365 days after the scheduled election date. The election would be held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026.