Commissioners ask local delegation to place 1¢ homestead‑option sales‑tax referendum on November ballot

County staff presented a resolution asking the county’s local legislative delegation to place a referendum on the November ballot for a 1¢ homestead‑option sales tax to fund an expanded homestead exemption program. Staff said the measure would permit an increase in the homeowner homestead exemption (staff described examples raising exemption amounts) and would require annual administration and a September 1 millage adoption process.

Presenter James Brown (speaker 8) described how the option would work: a 1‑cent sales tax would be collected countywide and dedicated to homestead tax relief, with annual calculations administered to ensure reductions to qualifying homeowners. Brown said he had met city leaders earlier and that the municipalities were supportive of presenting the referendum request to the delegation.

Commissioner Henderson expressed support for more expansive senior exemptions in the future, saying "If you're 55 years or older, you shouldn't have to pay any taxes on your home" while acknowledging the current proposal is a step in the right direction. By voice vote the board approved sending the resolution to the delegation for consideration at the Gold Dome and possible placement on the November ballot.

What happens next: staff will submit the resolution to the local legislative delegation and seek approval to present the referendum at the state level for Novembers' ballot placement. If the delegation and state approve, the question would be presented to county voters in November.

Votes and procedural note: the board voted to send the resolution to the local delegation; the motion passed by voice vote.