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Commissioners ask legislative delegation to enable LHOST referendum; appoint DFACS member
Summary
The board approved a resolution asking the county's legislative delegation to introduce local legislation to place a Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST) referendum on a future ballot and appointed Timothy Morris to DFACS District 2; staff noted SB33 failed to pass in the Special Called Session so this year's referendum is not possible.
County Administrator John Gorton presented a resolution asking Meriwether County’s legislative delegation to introduce local legislation authorizing a Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST) referendum under Senate Bill 33 and O.C.G.A. §48-8-109.52. Gorton explained the statute-authority process and requested the delegation’s assistance to allow voter consideration of an LHOST to provide homestead property tax relief.
The board voted to approve the resolution. Gorton advised commissioners that SB33 did not pass during the Special Called Session, so staff would not have sufficient time to place a referendum on this year’s ballot and would evaluate alternative options and intergovernmental paths with municipalities.
Separately, the board appointed Timothy Morris to the Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS) Board, District 2 for the five-year term beginning July 1, 2026; the appointment was moved and seconded and approved unanimously.
Why it matters: An LHOST referendum would require enabling local legislation from the General Assembly and, if authorized and approved by voters, could change how sales tax revenue is used to provide homestead property-tax relief. The board’s resolution is a formal request for that enabling legislation.
What happens next: County staff will follow up with the legislative delegation and municipal partners; the DFACS appointment will be transmitted to the agency as required.
