Early County proposal would link sales tax to home tax breaks

Early County would exempt eligible homesteads from county property taxes by an amount set each year using net proceeds from the local sales tax. It would cover residents with eligible homestead property in the special district covering Early County. Any value above the exempt amount would remain taxable. The exemption would require approval by county voters and the required two-thirds vote in each chamber. It would be added to other homestead exemptions and would not affect taxes imposed by other governments. If approved, the exemption would apply to tax years beginning January 1 of the year after voter approval through December 31, 2039.

Early County would impose a 1 percent local sales and use tax. The tax would apply within the special district covering Early County. The tax would require approval by county voters and the required two-thirds vote in each chamber. The tax would run from January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2037.