Chatham County holds second public hearing on House Bill 581 homestead exemption; no decision made

The Chatham County Commission on the dais opened and then closed a second public hearing on House Bill 581, the recently enacted state measure that would change how homestead exemptions are calculated for residential properties. Commissioners and assessor staff told the public they have not decided whether the county will opt out, and that the bill’s timing and language remain in flux at the state legislature.

The hearing was held as the General Assembly continues to draft amendments, including a time‑frame bill (House Bill 92) under consideration, and as county assessors prepare software to compare the existing local “Stevens Day” protection with the new HB 581 calculation. “We really don't know any more than that because, again, the state passed something, and they must have realized they maybe bit off a little more they could actually chew,” Commissioner Dean Kicklider said, urging patience while the legislature continues to revise the law.

Kicklider told residents the assessors are preparing software that will — once the final state language is set — determine annually which homestead exemption would save each homeowner the most money and apply that exemption. “So right now, that's where we stand,” Kicklider said. Commissioner Wylman clarified the default status under the current bill text: local governments are automatically opted in unless they take formal action to opt out. “If you don't see us taking a vote to quote unquote opt in, it's not because we're not making sure that you have both options. As it states now ... everybody ... is opted in automatically. The only action that would be necessary would be to opt out,” Wylman said.

Assessors and commissioners repeatedly cautioned that timing changes in the legislature — including a pending vote on HB 92 to change the opt‑out deadline — could change the county’s procedural obligations. County staff said they cannot produce reliable fiscal figures until the legislature finalizes the bill language and timing. “We don't know what that is yet. So after Tuesday comes and they go back in session, we've been be coming back to you with more changes,” the chair said during the hearing.

The commission took the formal steps required by state law: a motion and second opened the public hearing, and after public testimony county commissioners voted to close it. No vote was taken to opt out. Commissioners directed staff to continue monitoring legislative changes and to return with updated analyses and any required actions once the state clarifies HB 581’s final language and effective dates.

Background: Chatham County uses a local homestead protection known locally as Stevens Day, adopted in 2001. Commissioners said Stevens Day could produce a larger savings for many long‑time homeowners in parts of the county, but HB 581 may benefit some recent buyers; the assessors’ planned software is intended to select the more favorable calculation for each property once the law and implementing procedures are final.