Walnut Grove closes first public hearing on HB 581 opt-out with no speakers; two hearings remain

The City of Walnut Grove opened a public hearing on HB 581, which would let the city consider opting out of a statewide ad valorem exemption, and closed the hearing after receiving no speakers.

The presiding official announced the hearing and invited comments from those opposed and in favor, asking speakers to state their name and address for the record. When no members of the public came forward, the presiding official said, “Since no one has anything to say tonight, I'm going to go ahead and close out the public hearing portion of this meeting.”

The presiding official also said the council will hold two additional public hearings on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., both at the Walnut Grove Municipal Building, 1021 Park Street, Loganville. Members of the public were encouraged to attend if they wish to comment on the city's intent to possibly opt out of the exemption.

No council vote on HB 581 occurred at this work session; the hearing record is limited to the announcement and the lack of public comment. The council did not take action on the substance of HB 581 during the meeting and left the record open for the two scheduled hearings.