Lyons tax break would depend on voter approval and sales tax proceeds

The City of Lyons would exempt an annually determined amount of homestead value from its city property taxes. It would apply to residents' homestead property within the Toombs County special district and only to City of Lyons taxes. The exemption amount would be based on net proceeds from the local sales and use tax collected within the special district. It would be in addition to other homestead exemptions. Property value above the exempt amount would remain taxable. The exemption would cover tax years starting January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2039, if the required approvals occur.

The city election superintendent would hold a vote on the proposed exemption. The referendum would be for City of Lyons voters who live within the Toombs County special district. The measure would need a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate and approval by more than half of votes cast in the referendum. If voters reject it or the election is not held as required, the exemption would not take effect. The election would be held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026.