Chattooga County to hold election on homestead tax exemption November 2025

Georgia's Senate Bill 335 is set to reshape local taxation, proposing a homestead exemption from Chattooga County school district ad valorem taxes. Introduced on March 13, 2025, the bill aims to alleviate financial burdens on homeowners by exempting the amount by which a homestead's current assessed value exceeds its base year assessed value.

The bill mandates a public vote on the proposed exemption during the general election on November 4, 2025. If approved by a majority, the exemption will take effect on January 1, 2026. The election process will be overseen by the Chattooga County election superintendent, who is required to publish details about the election in the local newspaper for two weeks leading up to the vote.

Supporters argue that the exemption could provide significant relief to homeowners, potentially boosting local economic stability by allowing families to retain more of their income. However, critics express concerns about the long-term implications for school funding, fearing that reduced tax revenues could impact educational resources.

The bill's passage is contingent on voter approval, and if it fails, it will be automatically repealed a year after the election. This creates a sense of urgency for both proponents and opponents as they prepare for the upcoming vote, highlighting the bill's potential to significantly impact the community's financial landscape. As the election date approaches, discussions around the bill are expected to intensify, with both sides gearing up for a robust campaign to sway public opinion.