If you're heading to the polls on November 5, 2024, Ballot Question #1 will ask you to decide on House Resolution 1022 (2024). This constitutional amendment is crucial because it determines whether the changes proposed in House Bill 581 will take effect.

How It Works

HR 1022 is a constitutional amendment that will, if approved by voters, enable HB 581. Since the changes in HB 581 affect the Georgia constitution (specifically property tax laws), your approval is required. So, by voting on HR 1022, you are essentially giving the state permission to implement the reforms outlined in HB 581.

A "yes" vote means you approve the amendment and allow the reforms to move forward while a "no" vote blocks these changes.

Why It Matters to You

HB 581 could bring significant changes to how your property taxes are calculated and managed. These changes include:

A Floating Homestead Exemption, which could “freeze” your home’s taxable value at its 2024 level. This means your property’s value for tax purposes will remain the same with future increases tied only to inflation as determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This protects you from large spikes in property taxes due to rising property values while still allowing for small annual adjustments based on inflation.

Uniform Property Assessments, which would standardize how properties are assessed across the state. Right now, counties assess properties differently, leading to unequal tax bills. HB 581 aims to ensure more consistent and predictable property taxes, no matter where you live. It also will remove the previous year’s tax estimate from your property tax bill and instead include the current year’s estimated rollback rate. Additionally, HB 581 will require that properties be appraised every 3 years and, most importantly, lock in your property’s value for 3 years if you win an appeal.

Changes to Ad Valorem Taxes, also known as property taxes, which are based on the value of your property. Under HB 581, these taxes will be reassessed using uniform standards across all counties. As a result, your property taxes could increase or decrease depending on the new statewide guidelines.

The option for counties to implement a New Local Sales Tax for Property Tax Relief, where a 1-cent local sales tax could be used to reduce your property taxes. This would shift some of the tax burden from property owners to sales tax collected across the community.

When You’ll See Changes

If voters approve HR 1022, these changes will begin on January 1, 2025, meaning you’ll notice a difference in your property’s taxable value that year—unless the Emanuel County Board of Commissioners opts out by March 1.

This vote directly impacts your wallet and your community, so make sure you’re informed before heading to the polls.