Santa Claus homeowners would get a city property tax break paid for by a new county sales tax, if voters approve

Each resident of the special district would get an exemption from Santa Claus property taxes on their home. The amount exempted is set each year by the net proceeds of the new sales tax collected across Toombs County, and home value above that amount is still taxed. The exemption covers only city taxes, only property inside the special district, and comes on top of any other homestead exemption. Most people must apply. People who got another city homestead exemption last year and still qualify do not have to apply. Once granted, the exemption renews each year while the owner lives there and stays eligible. It would apply to tax years starting January 1 after voters approve it and ending December 31, 2039.

Voters in Santa Claus who live in the special district would decide whether to approve the exemption and the new 1 percent sales tax. The city election superintendent would run the vote, and the city would pay for it. The bill cannot become law without a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the House. The exemption takes effect only if more than half of voters say yes. If voters say no, or the election is not held as required, the bill would repeal itself 365 days after the election date. The vote would be held the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026. If approved, Section 1 would take effect January 1, 2027.