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Demorest holds hearing on opting out of state homestead adjustment; vote set for Feb. 20
Summary
The Demorest City Council held a Feb. 13 public hearing on whether to opt out of the statewide adjusted base‑year ad valorem homestead exemptions referenced in House Bill 581. City Attorney Thomas Mitchell and City Manager Mark Musselwhite explained the bill; the council scheduled a vote for Feb. 20 at noon and canceled the 6:00 p.m. session.
The Demorest City Council held a public hearing on Feb. 13, 2025, to consider opting out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemptions mentioned in House Bill 581. City Attorney Thomas Mitchell and City Manager Mark Musselwhite presented an explanation of the bill to the council and members of the public.
No formal vote on the opt‑out was taken at the Feb. 13 meeting. Council members scheduled a final vote for Feb. 20, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.; the council also canceled the previously scheduled 6:00 p.m. meeting for Feb. 20. A resident, Maire Evans of 101 Long Street, spoke during the public comment period and asked several questions about the proposal.
The meeting opened with a prayer and was called to order by Mayor Jerry Harkness at 5:30 p.m. The council approved the meeting agenda on a motion by Councilman Shawn Allen, seconded by Councilman Jimmy Davis; the motion passed unanimously (3-0). Near the end of the session Councilman Jimmy Davis moved to adjourn, Councilman Andrew Ferguson seconded, and the motion was unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 6:06 p.m.
The council’s consideration on Feb. 20 will determine whether Demorest opts out of the adjusted base year homestead exemption mechanism referenced in House Bill 581. The Feb. 20 noon session will be the council’s next formal opportunity to act.
