Both local school boards have decided to opt out of House Bill 581 and meetings will be held tomorrow where the public is being invited to share their views.

The meeting for the Trion Board of Education will be held 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.

The Chattooga Board of Education also voted unanimously to opt-out of the measure. Local residents can come to a meeting at 7 AM on Friday at the Chattooga County Education Center on Penn Street in Summerville to hear more about the board’s decision and have an opportunity for public input.  Chattooga County School Supt. Michelle Helie told WZQZ News that while visitors will need to sign in for the meeting, they will be given the opportunity to speak and will not be required to fill out the public participation form in advance.

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.