Savannah Council holds first public hearing on state homestead exemption; staff recommends opting out

Mayor Van Johnson and city staff held the first of three public hearings on Georgia House Bill 581, the statewide homestead exemption approved by voters in November, and staff recommended that Savannah opt out while the city evaluates potential administrative complications and unresolved differences with the county’s long‑standing Stevens Day exemption. Council closed the hearing after public comment.

City Manager staff described how Stevens Day, enacted locally in 1999, freezes a homeowner’s base tax year for some local taxes and noted that, in many cases, Stevens Day will continue to provide equal or greater protection to homeowners than House Bill 581. The manager said the city can meet state notice requirements, reiterated that homeowners would receive the exemption that yields the greatest benefit, and advised council that…