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Augusta-Richmond County hears public concerns over House Bill 581 homestead changes
Summary
Residents at a public hearing raised worries that House Bill 581’s change to homestead assessments could drive higher property taxes for seniors and increase costs for local businesses; county staff explained reassessments reflect market changes and legal limits on local authority were cited.
Augusta-Richmond County held a public hearing on House Bill 581 and its local effects on homestead assessments, with residents expressing concern about sharply rising property valuations, impacts on seniors and small businesses, and whether the county should opt out of portions of the law.
County staff explained how reassessments are calculated and why values have risen; residents described individual assessment increases and warned that businesses could pass higher costs to customers. County officials reiterated that no final decision has been made and announced additional public hearings before any governing-body vote.
County staff member Scott Rountree explained the reassessments at the hearing, saying: "The market since COVID, on average, has increased homes over 50%," and that assessors are updating valuations to reflect what a willing buyer would pay. Rountree said…
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