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Commissioners direct staff to pursue homestead-focused local-option sales tax for November ballot
Summary
Meriwether County commissioners chose the homestead‑targeted local host (LHOST) option for property tax relief and instructed staff to prepare ballot language and public education; staff estimated a 1% LHOST could raise roughly $2–2.5 million per year over 10 years, with total revenue over a decade roughly estimated at $20–25 million.
On June 8 the Meriwether County Board of Commissioners discussed two options for placing a local-option sales tax on the November ballot to provide property tax relief and moved to pursue the homestead‑targeted Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST).
Staff explained the two options: LHOST targets homesteaded properties and runs for a 10‑year period; the alternative (referred to in the meeting transcript as the PTRLoss or "FLOSS" option) would apply to all property owners and typically runs for five years. Both options are 1% levies that require voter approval. Staff briefed the board on legal differences, the need for any intergovernmental agreements for the broader PTRLoss option, and the timing required to advertise and place an item on the November ballot. Staff told commissioners that, at the county’s current rates, a 1% LHOST might generate roughly $2–2.5 million per year and a 10‑year program could raise in the order of $20–25 million over a decade; staff emphasized that final revenue depends on state guidance and the timing of collections.
After discussion of who would benefit (homestead property owners under LHOST versus all property owners under PTRLoss), timing, education for voters and the need to meet advertisement deadlines in mid‑July, a commissioner moved to pursue the LHOST option and the board seconded the motion. Commissioners directed staff to prepare materials for public education and to develop the paperwork needed to place the LHOST referendum on the November ballot.
Ending: The board’s motion sets the county on a path to put the homestead‑targeted 1% sales tax question before voters in November; staff must complete legal and advertising steps by mid‑July to meet ballot deadlines.
