COLUMBIA COUNTY, GA – Columbia County leaders are exploring a significant increase in the local homestead exemption as part of an effort to provide property tax relief to homeowners. This proposal follows the county’s decision to opt out of the statewide homestead exemption, a move that has led officials to craft a more tailored solution for the community.

County manager Scott Johnson explained that the decision to opt out stemmed from the belief that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work for counties with varying economic conditions. “There’s no such thing as a one size fits all,” Johnson said. “What works for Fulton County doesn’t necessarily apply to Green County or one of the smaller counties in South Georgia.”

As a result, District 1 Commissioner Connie Melear was tasked with finding the best alternative to ensure fair property tax relief. At a meeting on Tuesday, a draft of resolution 25-10 was presented, which proposes increasing the local homestead exemption from $2,000 to $10,000.

The current state homestead exemption offers $2,000 in relief, but the proposed local exemption would raise that amount significantly, reducing the taxable value of homeowners’ properties and thereby lowering their property taxes. For example, using the county’s average home price of $300,000, the tax liability would drop from $238,000 (after applying the state exemption) to $230,000 under the new exemption.

To calculate property taxes, the assessed value of a home is multiplied by 40%, and then the applicable homestead exemption is subtracted. That number is then multiplied by the millage rate, which is set by the county.

While the county has been proactive in reducing its millage rate, lowering property taxes for homeowners, the proposed exemption would further alleviate financial pressure on residents. Johnson highlighted that over the past decade, commissioners have lowered the millage rate nine out of ten years, which has helped reduce the overall tax burden.

However, the proposed exemption would apply solely to county taxes and would not affect school or city property taxes. Despite this, Johnson noted that other local entities, such as the Columbia County School Board, are considering similar plans to provide tax relief to residents.

“We are the first to introduce any local legislation regarding homestead exemptions,” Johnson stated. “Our tax bill is already rolling, so I have no reason to believe we won’t get this done this year. The school board is working on their version, and if it doesn’t happen this year, it could come next year.”

Some local homeowners have expressed support for the proposal, citing the state’s budget surplus as a reason to reinvest in residents. “I think that’s a good thing,” said Craig Wolfarth, a local resident. “As long as all necessary services are covered, no one’s against getting money back in their pockets.”

Johnson reiterated that the primary objective of this proposal is to put more money back into the pockets of Columbia County residents. “If you’re paying less tax, you can afford more house,” he explained. “Whether it’s your starter home or your next opportunity, we want to make it easier for people to afford a home in this community.”

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners will discuss the resolution at their meeting on Tuesday, March 18. If approved, the proposed bill will move to the state legislative delegation for presentation to the General Assembly. Should it pass, the bill will then be sent to Governor Brian Kemp for approval before being placed on the ballot for voters in November 2025. If voters approve the measure, it will take effect on January 1, 2026.

In the meantime, local officials are optimistic about the potential benefits the proposed exemption could offer to homeowners, making housing more affordable while still supporting the county’s long-term financial goals.