Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the House Bill 581 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mayor Chidester warns House Bill 581 could limit Byron's tax options
Summary
At a Feb. 13 special session, Mayor Michael Chidester told council members that House Bill 581 discussions with county officials could leave Byron stuck under the tax cap unless the city opts out; City Administrator Tiffany Sandefur said honoring voters may require a future millage increase and asked for council support.
Mayor Michael Chidester told the City of Byron Mayor and Council on Feb. 13 that recent talks with county officials about House Bill 581 could restrict the city's ability to seek a penny sales tax if neighboring Fort Valley opts out. Chidester said that outcome would leave Byron subject to the existing tax cap unless the city itself chooses to opt out.
City Administrator Tiffany Sandefur told the council she wants to "honor the vote of the citizens and stay in," but cautioned that honoring that vote could require a millage-rate increase later to meet operating needs. Sandefur asked council members for their support should a rate increase become necessary. The discussion referenced county staff work by BJ Walker and Commissioner Roy Lewis running numbers to inform local decisions.
The exchange was informational; the council took no formal vote on HB 581 at the special session. The item remains under discussion, and no final local action was recorded during the meeting.
