MARTINEZ, Ga. () – Columbia County leaders are looking at a resolution to provide property tax relief. This comes after leaders decided to opt out of the statewide homestead exemption. 

County governments and school districts across Georgia recently had to decide on the statewide homestead exemption.

County manager Scott Johnson says they felt it was best to opt out. 

“The primary reason for that is because there’s no such thing as a one size fits all. For anybody to think that Fulton County operates the same as Green County—or one of the smaller counties in south Georgia—there’s a big difference there,” said Johnson.

Because they opted out, District 1 commissioner Connie Melear was put in charge to find the best solution.

At a meeting Tuesday, a draft of resolution 25-10 was presented.

The state currently gives a $2,000 homestead exemption, but this resolution would raise the local homestead exemption to $10,000—which impacts the property taxes homeowners have to pay.

To calculate property taxes, you take the assessed value of the home, multiply that by 40%, and subtract that by the homestead exemption.

Then, that number is multiplied by the millage rate.

As of December 2024, the average price of a home in Columbia County is $300,000, so we asked Johnson to use that as an example.

“If the average home price in Columbia County is $300,000, you pay taxes on 40% of that. The 40% in that particular case would bring you down to $240,000 that you would pay taxes on. You would then get your $2,000 state exemption, so now instead of $240,000, you’re paying $238,000. If we give this exemption that we’re talking about now, instead of $238,000, you’re going to pay taxes on $230,000,” Johnson said.

County commissioners have lowered the millage rate 9 out of the last 10 years.

Johnson adds with the low millage rate and increased homestead exemption, the idea is to lower property taxes for taxpayers.

“As the board of commissioners continues to lower the millage rate—obviously a lower number on this side, and a lower number on this side means a lower number for the taxpayer. I think that’s what we’re really looking at,” said Johnson.

The exemption the county is looking at does not apply to taxes with the Columbia County School Board or property taxes from cities.

However, each entity is looking at a similar plan to the county.

“We are the first to introduce any local legislation as it relates to homestead exemptions. Our tax bill is already rolling, so I have no reason to believe we won’t get it done this year,” Johnson said. “The school board is going to try to do theirs this year, but if not, I think you could see something coming from them next year.”

Some local homeowners say they’re on board with the county’s efforts. 

“I think that’s a good thing. The last I’ve heard, the state is running a surplus in their budget. So, as long as all the necessary services are covered, no one’s against getting money back in their pocket,” said Craig Wolfarth.

That’s what county leaders say is their main objective with this legislation.

“We want to try to put as much money back into the pockets of the people of Columbia County so they can afford more house. If you’re paying less tax, you can maybe afford more house, maybe you can afford your starter house or first opportunity to move into a house here. So, everything we do all ties in with trying to be a good community all the way around,” said Johnson.

The Board of Commissioners will discuss this resolution at their meeting on Tuesday, March 18th. 

From there, the state legislative delegation will present the bill to the general assembly.

If passed, the bill will go to Governor Brian Kemp. If signed by Kemp, it will go on the ballot for county voters in November.

If voters approve the legislation, it would go into effect on January 1st, 2026.