Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry is advocating for legislation that would implement a “Homestead Valuation Freeze Exemption” for Chattooga County property owners who qualify for homestead exemption.  Although the State of Georgia offers the homestead exemption to all qualified homeowners in the state, some counties have chosen to extend their homestead exemptions or freeze valuation of properties by local legislation.  In order for Chattooga County to implement the “Homestead Valuation Freeze Exemption” special, local legislation would have to be introduced by State Rep. Eddie Lumsden and State Senator Colton Moore.  You can read the commissioner’s statement below:

I have requested that Representative Lumsden introduce, and Senator Moore endorse/support, legislation in the upcoming legislative session providing for a referendum that will provide for a Homestead Valuation Freeze Exemption that will freeze the valuation of property at the base year valuation for as long as the homeowner resides on the property. This exemption only applies for the county part of the property tax bill, and does not apply to the school or city taxes. This is only allowable in state law for properties with a valid homestead exemption. The base will be able to be adjusted down if valuation drops below the frozen base valuation. While I cannot control the housing market, assessments, or values, this is one way my office can help guard against future inflationary market values. A request to draft the legislation has been sent to state legislative council. Once drafted it will go through the House and the Senate next legislative session, and then be set for the ballot box.