Gwinnett holds public hearing on plan to opt out of state homestead exemption; decision scheduled at 2 p.m.

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday held a public hearing on the county—s announced intention to opt out of the statewide adjusted base-year ad valorem homestead exemption, with the board scheduled to take formal action at its 2 p.m. business session the same day.

The hearing drew presentations from county staff explaining the county—s existing value offset exemption and public comment both supporting and opposing an opt-out. Deputy County Attorney Jenny Carter said the hearing was the final of three required public hearings and framed the opt-out as driven by the county—s long-standing policy: "Since 02/2001, Gwinnett County has had a homestead exemption known as the value offset exemption or VOE that freezes the taxable value of a home the year you are granted your homestead exemption," Carter said.

The nut graf: the decision could affect how the county portion of homeowners— property taxes is…