AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Richmond County Board of Education held the first of three public hearings on the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption.

But it’s cause for concern and frustration for some stakeholders, including former Augusta mayor Bob Young.

“6 of you have the option of taking away this tax break for homeowners. 6 of you. 6 votes that nullify the votes of over 48,000 people,” said Young.

His frustration comes at the first of three public hearings on the board’s decision to opt out of the exemption.

It’s part of House Bill 581, which helps provide property tax relief for homeowners, but can limit local government and school funding.

“It’s a terrible message that you send to your faculty, staff, and employees that you will strip them of their relief from oppressive property tax burdens in Richmond County,” Young added.

While no school board members wanted to comment at this time, the Chief Financial Officer is recommending opting out due to existing homestead exemptions, maintaining quality programs, and because the local millage cap is already in place.

But Young says it’s a decision he and other Richmond County voters weren’t aware of before they went to the polls in November.

“If this tax break was so bad, why didn’t the board in here talk to the voters before the election on November 5th, and tell us how bad this legislation is? Not a peep. Crickets coming out of the Board of Education,” said Young.

Dan Funch joined Young as another Augusta resident just wanting his voice to be heard.

“I ask you to not exempt yourself, and to take seriously the voice of the voters in Richmond County,” said Funch.

“The exemption does not restrict your ability to collect taxes. The exemption does not take away any money from the taxes you collect. The exemption is another incentive for people to invest in Augusta through home ownership. There’s no need to schedule these public hearings—the public hearing was held on November 5th, and the people have spoken,” said Young.

Wilkes and Warren County Schools are also planning to opt out of the exemption. 

Here are the following dates, times, and locations for those meetings with each school district:

Richmond County:

• Tuesday, January 21st, 2025 at 3:30 PM at 864 Broad Street
• Monday, January 27th, 2025 at 6:00 PM at 864 Broad Street

Wilkes County:

• Tuesday, January 21st, 2025 at 3:15 PM 313 N Alexander Ave
• Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at 6:00 PM at 313 N Alexander Ave
• Monday, February 10th, 2025 at 8:30 AM at 313 N Alexander Ave

Warren County:

• Thursday, January 16th, 2025 at 9:00 AM at 115 Gibson Hwy
• Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 at 6:00 PM at 115 Gibson Hwy
• Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM at 115 Gibson Hwy