Plains proposal would tie homeowners' tax exemption to sales tax proceeds

The proposal would give eligible homeowners an exemption from City of Plains property taxes, with the amount set each year based on local sales tax proceeds. It would cover a resident's homestead within the Sumter County special district, and only the part of the property within that district would qualify for City of Plains taxes. The measure would need a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers and approval by more than half of the votes cast in the local election. The exemption would be added to other homestead exemptions, and any property value above the exempt amount would remain taxable. The exemption would apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2039, if voters approve the measure.

Homeowners would generally need to apply, and recipients would need to tell the local tax official if they become ineligible. These rules would apply to people seeking or receiving the proposed exemption. A person who received another City of Plains homestead exemption for the same property in the prior tax year and remains eligible would not need to apply again. Once granted, the exemption would renew each year while the person occupies the home as a homestead and remains eligible. An approved exemption would renew each year while the recipient occupies the home as a homestead and remains eligible.