Savannah-Chatham Board votes 5-3 to opt out of state homestead exemption (HB 581)

At a special-called meeting, the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education voted to opt out of the homestead exemption created by House Bill 581, directing staff to file a certified copy of the board’s resolution with the Georgia Secretary of State by March 1, 2025.

The resolution was presented by Mr. Jackson, who reviewed the law’s mechanics and the district’s process for public notice and hearings. Mr. Jackson said that under Georgia law effective Jan. 1, 2025, House Bill 581 authorizes a statewide homestead exemption but includes an opt-out provision and that the board had held three public informational hearings and placed required advertisements prior to acting. He recommended the board authorize the president to sign and file the resolution to opt out.

Board members split over whether to opt out of the new statewide option or allow residents to retain the choice to use the state exemption. Dr. Howard Hall emphasized the local program known in the meeting as "Stevens Day," saying the county has benefited from it for about 25 years and arguing for continuation: "We know the advantage of having Stevens Day. We know the impact that it's had on not only our property owners, but as well as our the school district," he said. Mr. Smith likewise argued the district should "stay as is and opt out," citing uncertainty in the evolving state legislation. By contrast, Ms. Campbell said she favored opting in so taxpayers could receive whichever exemption would be better for them and stated, "I am now of the mind that opting in makes the most sense ... I'm gonna vote against the resolution."

After discussion, the board voted; the chair announced the motion to adopt the opt-out resolution passed by a 5-3 margin. The resolution authorizes the board president to file the certified resolution with the Georgia Secretary of State no later than March 1, 2025. The board’s staff noted the resolution had been reviewed by the board attorney and that the superintendent supported the recommendation to opt out.

Board members also discussed implementation questions raised during public informational hearings and prior meetings: whether Stevens Day would remain available (several members noted Stevens Day would not be abolished), whether valuation calculations might create administrative confusion, and that other counties may choose different paths. At one point a board member noted that Chatham County government had chosen to opt in, which board members said changed the local dynamics but did not alter the board’s statutory deadline for filing.

The board did not record individual roll-call votes for each member in the transcript segment provided; the chair summarized the result as 5 in favor, 3 opposed. The board then moved to adjourn and to complete meeting minutes for approval.