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Ocilla council signals consensus to opt out of HB 581 homestead adjustment
Summary
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Cook said the City of Ocilla council reached a consensus to opt out of HB 581’s statewide adjusted base‑year homestead exemption to preserve local control over property taxes; no formal opt‑out vote was recorded and the meeting adjourned after public comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Cook said the City of Ocilla council reached a consensus to opt out of HB 581’s statewide "adjusted base year as valorem homestead exemption," saying the move would preserve local control over property taxes and "eliminate tax increases," as she understands it. The council did not record a formal vote on the opt‑out during the Jan. 27 meeting; the session adjourned after public comment.
The council met at 10 a.m. Jan. 27 in council chambers at 111 North Irwin Avenue. Cook, Council Members Patrice Manley, Chris Paulk, Lemora Moses and Clae Wynn and City Clerk Donna R. Prather were listed as present; Mayor Melvin D. Harper II was absent.
Council Member Chris Paulk criticized an advertisement about HB 581 as misleading and sought to clarify the measure’s scope. Paulk said the matter "is not about taking away the 40% access value ratio from homeowners" and warned that if the city does not opt out it may have to evaluate real property every year, framing the council’s choice as a means to avoid property tax fluctuation.
Two residents spoke during the public‑comment portion. Billy Leverette, 200 N. Beech Street, said he "didn't vote for HB 581 on the referendum because he was against it" and expressed concern about the bill’s effects given that he is on a fixed income and the rising cost of living. Ruth Burch, 811 E. 7th Street, said she attended to get a better understanding of HB 581 and said she preferred that the city "make the decision for us to opt out."
The only formal recorded action in the minutes was a motion to adjourn. Council Member Patrice Manley moved to adjourn; Council Member Chris Paulk seconded. The motion passed with Manley, Paulk and Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Cook recorded as voting for the motion. The minutes contain signatures lines for Lisa Cook and City Clerk Donna R. Prather.
The transcript records council discussion and citizens’ concerns about HB 581 and local tax control but does not show a formal ordinance, resolution, or recorded vote approving an opt‑out; officials stated a consensus but no additional procedural steps were recorded in these minutes.
