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Brooks Council votes not to opt out of HB 581 homestead tax changes
Summary
The Brooks Town Council unanimously declined to opt out of HB 581, meaning 2025 homestead property valuations in Brooks will be limited to 2024 values adjusted by the CPI; the decision excludes non‑homestead properties and follows counsel on a March 1, 2025 opt‑out deadline for other local bodies.
Mayor Daniel Langford and the Brooks Town Council held a brief presentation and discussion on HB 581 during their Dec. 16 meeting before voting unanimously to accept the bill’s provisions for Brooks.
Town staff member M. Ungaro explained that HB 581, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2025, ties 2025 property valuations for homestead properties to 2024 values adjusted only by the consumer price index. Ungaro said the law would not apply to second homes, agricultural, industrial or rental properties and that other local entities, including the county and school board, have until March 1, 2025, to decide whether to opt out.
After council members discussed timing and impacts, Council Member Ted Britt moved that the Town of Brooks not opt out of HB 581; Council Member Todd Speer seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The council did not take additional fiscal actions at the meeting; follow-up questions about administrative steps to implement the valuation approach were left to staff.
