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City manager flags potential tax-exemption changes, previews parking project; utilities report PFAS tests 'not detected' so far
Summary
City Manager Rhett warned of pending bills (HR1114 and HB1116) that he said could expand and ultimately abolish homestead exemptions by 2032, showed preliminary drawings for a parking project that would increase spaces from 38 to 81, and department reports included a water leak repair and PFAS sampling returned “not detected” in an initial sample, with one test pending.
City Manager Rhett told the Hamilton City Council on Feb. 9 that two pieces of pending legislation he identified as HR1114 and HB1116 could incrementally increase homestead property tax exemptions and, if enacted as described, “complete abolishment by 2032” could result; he urged that acting now should be a priority for city officials.
Rhett also presented preliminary drawings for a parking project downtown that would boost parking capacity from 38 spaces to 81, and said the project will move to a traffic and feasibility study before further action.
Water and Sewer staff reported work on a recurring leak on Barnes Mill Road, where crews replaced a 12-foot section of pipe and two service taps. Ben said plant operators observed an unexplained increase in foam at the wastewater plant that they suspect resulted from a chemical release or dumping; he said the city submitted PFAS sampling to the EPD and the first returned “not detected,” with one remaining test pending. Ben also said Champion Wells will inspect well No. 2.
Fire Chief Oliver told the council the department has handled 76 calls for service recently, including large wood and brush fires and some false alarms, and said operations are otherwise running smoothly. Police Chief Weiss reported the department hosted a child-safety-seat certification class and thanked River of Columbus Church and the nonprofit FOCUS for donations and partnership.
Rhett reminded the council that Georgia Cities Week runs April 20–25 and noted staff will propose Hamilton-specific co-branding for the city’s outreach events.
