Pierce County commissioners adopt resolution to opt out of HB 581 homestead exemption

The Pierce County Board of Commissioners voted on Feb. 27, 2025, at a called meeting in Blackshear to adopt a resolution to opt out of HB 581, the state homestead exemption. The motion was made by Commissioner David Lowman and seconded by Commissioner Troy Mattox; the transcript records that the motion "carried."

The action was taken at a short, called meeting that began at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner Randy Dixon called the meeting to order and confirmed attendees had signed in and received informational packets about HB 581 before the item was considered. Commissioners Troy Mattox and David Lowman were present; Neal Bennett (chairman) and Graham Raley were listed as not in attendance. County staff listed in the meeting record included County Manager Raphel Maddox, County Clerk Donna Golding and County Attorney Adam Craft.

Lowman moved to adopt the resolution to opt out of the HB 581 homestead exemption; Mattox seconded, and the motion carried. The transcript does not include a roll-call vote, individual vote tallies, or a recorded vote count. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 6:15 p.m., moved by Commissioner Troy Mattox and seconded by Commissioner David Lowman.

The transcript does not record public comment, debate over the substance of HB 581, or staff analysis presented on the fiscal or legal effects of opting out. The record also does not specify a resolution number, effective date for the opt-out, or next procedural steps following adoption. Those details were not specified in the meeting transcript provided.