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Update on Senior Homestead Exemption
The Board of Education considered the next steps in regard to senior homestead exemptions at their November 12 meeting. This discussion followed the release of the Georgia State University study commissioned by the Board and the recent joint work session with the City Commission. This exemption conversation focused on the timeline for drafting legislation and how the Board will engage the community in the process. This process of community input and the decision on how to move forward must conclude prior to the 2021 sunset date as outlined in the original legislation.
In early 2020, the District and the City of Decatur will partner to look at senior homestead exemptions and how we can work together to engage all stakeholders in this important community-wide initiative.
Key takeaways from the Board discussion include:
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The GSU study and recent discussions are the beginning of this process.
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The Board, along with the City, will engage the community in a robust process to seek input on potential changes to the current senior homestead exemptions. The engagement process will begin in early spring 2020.
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The Board must discuss and revisit this senior homestead exemption because it is set to sunset in 2021.
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The Board plans to have a recommendation for new senior exemption legislation on the Board agenda for approval in fall 2020.
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New legislation should go to the Legislature in the 2021 Session.
The Georgia State University study can be found here.