AUGUSTA, Ga. () – A chance for you to sound off on the fate of a local homestead exemption. Richmond County leaders held a public meeting.

In November, people voted on House Bill 581.  It includes a new floating homestead exemption that is in addition to current homestead exemptions. Sixty-two percent of people in Richmond County voted yes. 

“The actual item was very confusing to our taxpayers and to our citizens, and I think this actual public hearing allowed them to state some of their concerns,” said Tameka Allen, County Administrator.

The measure puts a cap on property valuations for tax purposes. It’s also aimed at limiting tax increases because of growth.

“It’s impossible to know what’s going on unless you’re actually hearing it from the commissioners, from the mayor, from the administrator, and so I’ve really stepped up trying to come to as many meetings as possible to better understand and make a better judgment and also have my voice heard,” said Paul Wheeler, an attendee.

People we talked to said they just wanted to get a better feel for what the exemption entails.  

“I have a complete understanding, I really do; I understand what it means to opt in and what it means to opt out, and to be honest, I’d like to opt out,” said Linda Gary, an attendee.

Augusta leaders have until March 1st to decide if they will opt out of the exemption. 

“Identifying how many folks are impacted by this. Where the cost would be assessed, and who would actually have to carry the burden?” said Don Clark, District 5 Commissioner.

For more information and breakdowns on this topic, there will be another meeting on February 18th at the Augusta Municipal Building from 11 am to 1 pm.