Savannah council authorizes mayor to sign resolution opting city out of state homestead exemption (OCGA 48-5-44.2)

Mayor Johnson declared a public hearing open in February and, after hearing from residents, the Savannah City Council voted to authorize the mayor to sign a resolution indicating the city—s intention to opt out of the state—s version of the homestead exemption under OCGA 48-5-44.2.

The vote followed the council—s sixth public hearing on the issue. Mayor Johnson opened the meeting by saying, "I call this Savannah City Council public hearing to order today," and later declared, "I declare this public hearing open." After public comment and brief discussion, a councilmember moved to authorize the mayor to sign the resolution and the motion was seconded; council members voted "Aye," and the motion passed.

Why it matters: The opt-out vote signals the council—s preference to retain the locally applied "Stevens Day" exemption practice for Savannah homeowners rather than adopting the state's version described in OCGA 48-5-44.2. Speakers and council members referenced the pending state bill (HB 581) and said state law remains subject to amendment, which could affect how the exemption operates statewide.

During the public comment period, residents urged the council to preserve the local exemption. Jeannie Bridal, who identified herself as a longtime Savannah resident, asked, "I just wanna know when will this be resolved? Is it is it a done deal?" Linda Walden, who said she was from the 90 Third District, told the council, "Stevens Day has been since 1999, the true tried law of the land for us," and urged the city to keep the local approach.

Council action and next steps: A motion to close the hearing was moved and seconded and the hearing was closed by unanimous voice vote. Later, a councilmember moved to authorize the mayor to sign a resolution stating the city will opt out of OCGA 48-5-44.2; the motion was seconded and the council approved it by voice vote. The mayor was authorized to sign the resolution on the council—s behalf.

Council members and staff said the city would coordinate with Chatham County and the tax assessor—s office to ensure residents understand filing deadlines and requirements. The council discussed outreach and the possibility of hosting or providing space for workshops to help homeowners apply before the April 1 filing deadline mentioned during the hearing. Mayor Johnson said the city would work with the manager and public information staff to push information and graphics to the public and to try to bring county officials to city facilities to assist residents.

Details from the hearing: Council members noted the city had exceeded the minimum number of required hearings (state law requires three) by holding six public hearings on the opt-out question. Speakers emphasized the exemption—s importance to seniors and long-time homeowners. The council and staff clarified that the tax assessor and tax commission functions are handled by Chatham County and suggested residents with county tax questions attend the county commission meeting when appropriate.

What the record shows: The transcript documents the council—s repeated references to the locally used name for the exemption (referred to in the hearing as "Stevens Day" or "Steven's day") and the citation OCGA 48-5-44.2. The council instructed staff to publicize county resources and to consider workshops to assist residents who need help filing for exemptions.

The council did not adopt ordinance language on the council floor during the hearing; it authorized the mayor to sign a resolution reflecting the council—s direction to opt out. Any change to state law (HB 581) was described in the hearing as still subject to amendment at the statehouse.

The hearing concluded after the council vote and the mayor indicated staff would pursue outreach ahead of the April 1 filing timeframe mentioned during the meeting.