Bleckley County proposal would tie homeowner tax relief to sales tax

The proposal would exempt eligible homestead property from Bleckley County property taxes, up to an amount set each year using local sales tax proceeds. It would cover eligible homestead property in Bleckley County and only property taxes imposed by the county; it would not affect other taxing authorities’ taxes. The exemption would add to other homestead exemptions. The value above the exempt amount would remain taxable. A homeowner generally would need to apply, but someone who received a county homestead exemption for the same property in the prior tax year and remains eligible would not need a new application. The proposal also calls for a 1 percent Local Homestead Option Sales Tax; the text does not make implementation of the exemption depend on a separate appropriation. The proposal requires a two-thirds vote in each legislative chamber and approval by county voters. If approved by voters, the exemption would apply to tax years starting January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2039. The sales tax would run from January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2037.