Troup County homes could get property tax breaks tied to sales tax

Troup County would exempt part of eligible homestead property from county property taxes. It would apply to eligible residents' homestead property within the Troup County special district and to county taxes only. The exemption would be added to any other homestead exemption, and property value above the exempt amount would remain taxable. A resident would generally need to apply. Someone already receiving a county homestead exemption for the same property could receive this exemption without applying again if still eligible. The bill would need a two-thirds vote in both chambers and approval by more than half of county voters casting ballots. If approved, the exemption would depend on proceeds from the local sales tax. The exemption would apply to tax years starting January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2039.

Troup County would hold a referendum on the bill, and a 1 percent local sales tax would be imposed if the bill is approved. The referendum would be for Troup County voters, and the sales tax would apply within the county's special district. More than half of the votes cast in the county referendum must favor the bill, and the bill must receive a two-thirds vote in both chambers. If voters reject the bill or the election is not conducted as required, the bill would not take effect and would be automatically repealed. The referendum would take place on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026. The sales tax would run from January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2037.