Residents urge Stephens County commissioners not to opt out of House Bill 581 homestead exemption

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners opened the second of three required public hearings on whether the county should opt out of the statewide adjusted-base-year ad valorem homestead exemption created by House Bill 581.

The hearing drew multiple residents who urged the board to keep the exemption in place. "In the last 4 years, our assessment's gone up by 20%," said David Paris, a Martin resident. "I'd like to see House Bill 581 not be opted out of, but to continue, to keep that." Jeffrey McCormack, who identified himself as having researched the measure, told the board: "So first off, we voted for it. Why would the governing body wanna go against the will of the people?"

The hearing was presented by county staff as part of a state-mandated process that requires three public hearings before the board takes a final vote. County staff said the board will hold the third and final public hearing at its February 25 meeting, at which the commissioners will determine whether to opt out of the statute's requirements or to remain subject to them.

Speakers described rising property valuations and the effect on homeowners with fixed incomes. "My property valuation has gone up substantially," said McCormack, who added he had seen the measure pass statewide and in Stevens County by local vote. Several speakers cited large recent property-value increases and said limiting annual assessment growth under House Bill 581 would protect long-term residents and retirees. One speaker, Michael Waddell, said his property taxes rose 59% this year in his neighborhood.

No formal board action was taken at the hearing itself; the commissioners closed the second hearing after public comment. County staff opened the record to receive comments in favor and opposed to opting out, and then closed the hearing when public comment concluded.

The board is scheduled to take the final step at its Feb. 25 meeting, when it will state its intent and vote on whether to opt out of House Bill 581. Until that formal action, the hearing record will be part of the public record for the final decision.

The hearing occurred during the regular board meeting; speakers were given up to 10 minutes and the meeting chair called for those speaking in favor first, then those in opposition. The board did not vote on the opt-out at this meeting.