The Trion City Schools Board of Education has decided to opt out of the state homestead exemption as provided for in House Bill 581 (HB 581), a newly enacted statewide floating homestead exemption.

The Trion School Board to invite residents to share their thoughts during public hearings. The first hearing is set for January 17, 2025, at 9 AM at the Trion Board of Education Office on Simmons Street in Trion. This session will help residents understand the board’s decision and allow them to express their opinions. Two more hearings are planned on January 27, 2025, at 9 AM and 6 PM , both at the same location.

Earlier this week, the Chattooga Board of Education also voted unanimously to opt-out of the measure.

Georgia voters passed the statewide legislation known as House Bill 581 last November to provide property tax relief to homeowners. The bill provides relief to homeowners by offering a statewide “floating” homestead exemption that limits annual tax assessment increases to the rate of inflation that is based on the consumer price index.  However, when voters approved the measure, they were also approving the opportunity for school districts and local governments across the state to have a one-time shot at opting out of the legislation.

Over the past several weeks, local governments across the state have been weighing the costs of the measure and are choosing to opt out.