Ware County holds final public hearing before possible opt-out of House Bill 581 homestead provision

The Ware County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on Feb. 13, 2025, to explain and take comment on whether the county should opt out of House Bill 581, the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption. Chairman Elmer Thrift presided over the meeting at the Ware County Commission Chambers in Waycross.

County Manager James Shubert told residents the hearing was the third required public meeting before the board may vote on an opt-out and said staff recommends opting out because Ware’s existing local homestead freezes are generally more favorable and because complying with HB 581 would create an additional adjusted base-year tax roll and extra record-keeping. "By creating these additional duties, there would be a need [for] more employees," Shubert said, describing potential costs and administrative burdens.

The hearing drew several residents who asked how an opt-out would affect tax bills and rental properties. Sabrina Nelson asked whether opting out would increase tax bills; Commissioner Leonard Burse responded, "the taxes will not increase, instead everything will stay as is." Commissioners said the county’s local freeze would continue to protect primary residences and noted Ware remains eligible to seek a FLOST referendum, which staff described as a one percent single-county sales tax intended to lower millage rates for all property types.

Commissioner Jon Tindall, citing staff and his own review, urged opting out because Ware’s local exemptions are stronger than the statewide change and because remaining in HB 581 would increase assessor workload. Tindall estimated initial implementation costs for staying in HB 581 could be on the order of $150,000–$200,000 within the first 12–18 months and said, "opting out changes nothing." Commissioner Barry Cox said his research led him to the same conclusion, and Commissioner Timmy Lucas, who arrived late, said state officials had also advised Ware is in a favorable position due to its local triple freeze.

Clerk Melinda Brooks and Commissioner Tindall clarified technical points: the homestead exemption applies only to a homeowner’s primary residence and limited acreage (the commission referenced five surrounding acres tied to the homestead), and homestead status follows deeded ownership rather than the presence of a renter.

No formal vote to opt out of HB 581 was taken at the hearing. After public comment ended, Commissioner Tindall moved to close the hearing; Commissioners Timmy Lucas and Leonard Burse seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The board noted the minutes would be presented for approval at a later meeting.

Next steps: this public meeting completed the three required hearings for an opt-out; the board may place an opt-out vote on a future agenda for formal action.