Chatham County schedules three public hearings on state homestead-exemption bill; commissioners approve appointments and budget adjustments

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners set three public hearings on House Bill 581 — the state homestead-exemption "opt out" calendar — and approved a series of appointments and modest budget amendments during its meeting.

County staff told commissioners HB 581 creates a state homestead-exemption option that would become effective unless a county passes a local opt-out resolution after holding three public hearings. Staff said Chatham County’s existing local assessment freeze (often called a "Stevens Day" freeze in Georgia) generally provides greater benefit than the state option in most scenarios, but state law would allow homeowners to retain the more favorable option if both apply. The board adopted the calendar and scheduled hearings for Feb. 6 (6 p.m.), Feb. 7 (during the commission meeting) and…