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City Schools of Decatur announces public hearings for opt-out of statewide homestead exemption (Georgia HB 581)
The City of Decatur's Board of Education intends to opt out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption for the City Schools of Decatur. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this matter to be held virtually on January 21, 2025, at 6:45 p.m. using this link: (https://csdecatur.zoom.us/j/
INTENT TO OPT OUT OF HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
City Schools of Decatur has continued to monitor weather conditions due to the potential for unknown precipitation, forecasted freezing temperatures, and possibly hazardous road conditions. After discussions with local and state officials, metro school districts, and the National Weather Service, CSD will shift to virtual learning tomorrow, Tuesday, January 21. All schools and facilities will be closed, including the ECLC and Fasier Center, and all athletic events and after-school activities will be canceled. Schools will email information about virtual learning activities to families and students.
The virtual HB-581 Intent to Opt-Out Hearing will proceed as scheduled at 6:45 p.m. at this link: https://csdecatur.zoom.us/j/95614159391
We understand that this may pose challenges for families; however, ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2025
Contact Information:
Sydney DuPriest
Communications Director
404-371-3601 ext. 1105 office
City Schools of Decatur announces two additional public hearings for opt-out of statewide homestead exemption (Georgia HB-581)
DECATUR, GA — City Schools of Decatur will host five hearings in January for the public to learn more about the district's plans to exercise the one-time option for local governments to opt out of Georgia House Bill 581, which establishes a statewide floating homestead exemption and cap on property taxes. The public hearing schedule is January 14, 2025, at 10 a.m. (virtual only). and 6:45 p.m. (virtual and in-person), January 21, 2025, at 6:45 p.m. (virtual only). The in-person hearing will be held at the Wilson Center at 125 Electric Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030. Two additional hearings have been added on January 30, 2025, at 10 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. (both virtual only).
The link to the virtual hearings is available here: https://csdecatur.zoom.us/j/
Passed during the 2024 Legislative Session, HB 581 impacts property taxes for cities, counties and school districts by capping the annual increase in property values for tax purposes, effective January 1, 2025. The bill aims to provide property tax relief for local residents, using the Consumer Price Index as an inflationary index. Since school districts rely heavily on property taxes for funding, this cap could impact the availability of CSD schools' resources and programs.
The City Schools of Decatur Board of Education will follow the legal procedures to opt out of the exemption, including holding the three virtual public hearings. Following the hearings, the board will vote to adopt an opt-out resolution at the February Board of Education meeting and file the resolution with the Secretary of State by March 1, 2025.
See more about HB 581.
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