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Savannah holds public hearing on whether to opt out of state homestead exemption
Summary
The Savannah City Council on Feb. 27 held a public hearing on whether the city should opt out of the statehomestead exemption created by House Bill 581 and O.C.G.A. 48-5-44.02; no formal action was taken and staff offered to assist residents with tax questions.
The Savannah City Council on Feb. 27 held a public hearing on whether the city should opt out of the state's new homestead exemption under House Bill 581 and Official Code of Georgia §48-5-44.02, drawing residents' questions about steep increases in property tax bills.
The hearing was informational; the council did not take a formal vote during the Feb. 27 session. City officials answered questions about how property values, millage rates and differing exemptions affect homeowners' bills and offered one-on-one help to residents who wanted to review their assessments.
Rosalyn Goodine, a Savannah resident, told the council her annual tax bill rose from about $429 to $2,135 and asked why the increase was so large. "That is pretty steep," Goodine said, adding she felt she had already paid for her home. The presiding official responded that the hearing was for comment and that staff could help her after the session.
A city official identified in the hearing as the City Manager (name…
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