Residents urge Stephens County commissioners to honor voter‑approved homestead exemption

Residents pressed Stephens County commissioners at a public hearing to respect a voter‑approved change to the homestead exemption, warning that rapid assessment increases and fixed incomes make the exemption necessary to preserve longtime homeowners.

David Paris, a resident of Martin, told the board his home assessment rose about 20% over four years and said he wanted “House Bill 581” to remain in place to limit sudden increases in taxable value. Jeffrey McCormack, who described the measure's original title as the “Save Your Home Act,” said the bill passed the state at roughly 63% and passed in Stephens County at about 58%, and asked why the governing body would “go against the will of the people.”

Daniel Benson urged the board to “concur with that vote” and said removing the exemption would force many older or fixed‑income residents to leave the county. Michael Waddell said his property tax rose 59% this year and asked what would prevent repeated large increases. Patsy Oliver, a recent retiree, said lower incomes make the county’s tax burden particularly onerous for seniors.

The chair closed the second of three statutorily required public hearings; the board did not take a final vote at this meeting. County staff and commissioners explained the state prescribes the language used in notices and that the hearing is part of the statutory process before the board decides whether to opt out at its final hearing on Feb. 25.

What happens next: the board will hold the third and final public hearing as required by state law before voting on whether to opt out of the statewide adjusted base‑year homestead exemption.