Ben Hill voters would weigh sales tax for homestead tax relief

The proposal would use a local sales tax to fund an exemption from Ben Hill County property taxes on eligible homesteads. It would cover Ben Hill County property taxes on the part of a homestead within the special district. Property value above the exempt amount would remain taxable, and this exemption would be added to other homestead exemptions. Voters would have to approve the measure, and both legislative chambers would have to pass it by a two-thirds vote. A person must apply unless they received another county homestead exemption for the same property in the prior year and remain eligible. After an exemption is granted, it would renew each year while the person occupies the home and remains eligible. If approved, the exemption would apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2039. The sales tax would run from January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2037.