Stephens County proposal would tie homestead tax breaks to sales tax proceeds

The proposal would exempt eligible homestead property from Stephens County property taxes, up to an amount determined each year using local sales tax proceeds. It would cover eligible residents’ homestead property in Stephens County and only property taxes imposed by the county. Property value above the exempt amount would remain taxable, and this exemption would be added to other homestead exemptions. The exemption would take effect only if more than half of votes cast in the county referendum approve it and both legislative chambers give it the required two-thirds vote. A resident generally would need to apply and remain eligible. A resident already receiving another county homestead exemption for the same property could receive this exemption without a new application. If approved in the November 2026 referendum, the exemption would begin January 1, 2027, and apply to tax years through December 31, 2039. The proposed 1 percent local sales tax would run from January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2037.