Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tax Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council opts to remain under Johns Creek’s current floating homestead exemption; no opt‑out pursued
Summary
Staff briefed the council on House Bill 581 (2024) and its statewide floating homestead exemption. After staff analysis showed little taxpayer benefit to opting out, council members agreed by consensus to take no opt‑out action and let the assessor apply the most favorable exemption to each property.
Staff briefed the council on House Bill 581, which establishes a statewide floating homestead exemption tied to the consumer price index and removes the cap that some localities had applied. Assistant city staff Kaye Love explained how the state exemption interacts with Johns Creek’s existing floating exemption and said Fulton County’s assessor will apply whichever exemption produces the lower tax for a property on each tax bill. "If you do nothing, then that homestead exemption stays in place as provided by the constitution," Love said.
Council members voiced general agreement that the city should retain the status quo and not opt out. Mayor (role) summarized: "And so that's what I want to do" — leave the existing local program in place so the assessor can calculate the most beneficial exemption for each taxpayer. Staff noted administrative changes at the assessor’s office (new notices and potential three‑year reassessment cadence) and said the city can provide calculation resources to residents if needed. Staff will not pursue an opt‑out resolution by the March 1 deadline.
