The Decatur Minute

All Five Decatur Homestead Exemption Bills Move Forward To Governor For Signature

On Wednesday, March 16, 2016 the final City of Decatur homestead tax exemption bill passed the Georgia House of Representatives and the legislation will move forward for the Governor’s signature.  On March 8, four of the five homestead exemption bills passed but SB 343, the bill that provided the most significant tax relief from school taxes to citizens 65 and older was delayed.

The City of Decatur and City Schools of Decatur, along with members of the Lifelong Community Advisory Board, an active group of senior homeowners, and the business community worked together to encourage Decatur residents and other constituents to voice their opinion to the House of Representatives.

Decatur Board of Education Chair Annie Caiola said, “Today’s passage of Decatur’s senior homestead exemption was no small feat. The School Board is tremendously grateful to our City Commissioners, our State Legislators and our seniors who worked hard to get this important legislation passed. It just goes to show what our community is capable of when we work together.”

Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett added, “We especially appreciate Representative Mary Margaret Oliver for leading our efforts on the House side and Senator Elena Parent for sponsoring the legislation in the Senate.  We also want to thank our entire delegation including Howard Mosby, Rahn Mayo, and Karla Drenner, along with City Schools of Decatur and our activist seniors who were instrumental in getting a re-hearing for this bill.”

The next step is for the Governor to sign all five of the City of Decatur Homestead Exemption Bills.  After the Governor signs the bills, they will be voted on as part of a referendum on the November 8, 2016 ballot.