Hart County to Put Increase Homestead Exemption Referendum for Seniors on November Ballot

The Hart County Commission has voted to put a referendum on the November ballot that would increase the homestead exemption for those aged 65 and up.

In 2021, the Board voted to raise the Senior Homestead Exemption by $5,000 instead of the requested $10,000.

At their meeting last week, Commissioner Joey Dorsey asked for the referendum noting that Commissioners at that time had agreed to take another look at a second increase at a later date.

And he said that later date is now.

Dorsey’s comments were seconded by Commissioner Michael Bennet but Commission Chair Marshal Sayer opposed the idea pointing out that the County is in debt and now is not a good time to risk losing any more revenue.

Dorsey reminded the Board that the previous Board in 2021 made a commitment to the senior homeowners in the County and he added Hart County is currently in the best financial situation it’s ever been in, despite added debt.

He reminded the Board that last month’s Local Option Sales Tax Revenue was the second highest it’s ever been and the increase in the Senior Homestead Exemption would not have much of a financial impact on the County’s revenue.

Commissioner Jeff Brown countered that if the County was going to consider raising the tax exemption it should be for everyone – noting many young couples are struggling right now as well.

Commissioner Frankie Teasley noted, however, that, unlike the younger generation who can still work and find jobs where they can make more money, many seniors in Hart County are too old to work anymore and survive on a fixed income that never changes.

Dorsey said by putting a referendum on the ballot in November, it would be the citizens who would decide whether to increase the Senior Homestead Exemption, not the Board of Commissioners.

After more discussion, the Board voted 3-2 for putting a Senior Homestead Exemption raise on the ballot in November with Commissioners Dorsey, Bennett, and Teasley voting yes and Sayer and Brown voting no.