Macon-Bibb holds first of three hearings on whether to opt out of Georgia House Bill 581

The Macon-Bibb County Commission held the first of three required public hearings Monday evening on whether the county should opt out of House Bill 581, a new state law provision that would create a ‘‘floating’’ homestead exemption and change local sales-tax limits.

The hearing drew a short presentation from county counsel and three public speakers, all of whom urged the commission to opt out. Commissioners did not take a vote; two additional hearings are scheduled for the following day (9 a.m. and 2 p.m.), after which commissioners said they may discuss and possibly vote on a resolution.

Attorney Lauren Schultz of James Bates, Brand and Gruver presented the county’s summary of House Bill 581 and related state guidance. She said the bill’s floating homestead exemption would be added on top of Macon-Bibb’s existing $7,000 flat homestead exemption and that, under the Department of…