Although only four cities — Allenhurst, Hinesville, Riceboro, and Walthourville — are holding municipal elections next month, two countywide questions on amending homestead exemptions will give all Liberty County residents a reason to “rock the vote” on Nov. 6.
The countywide ballot questions will allow residents to vote “yes” or “no” on homestead exemption amendments that would allow homeowners to make minor repairs or renovations without experiencing an increase in their tax bills.
House Bill 767 would enable property owners to make improvements to their homes equal to up to five percent of its property value without having their assessment raised, while House Bill 768 would allow the same exemption for school taxes.
The bills passed in the Georgia House and Senate in April and were signed by the governor in May, but the mandate to place the question on November’s ballot was not handed down until late August.
After receiving the notice to hold the election, Liberty County Chief Registrar Ella Golden said if her office had been informed sooner, she would have suggested holding the election on the Sept. 18 special election date to avoid interference with regular city elections.
In an interview with the Courier Friday, Golden said she and her staff have been working diligently to inform residents of the additional countywide questions and was “confident that Liberty County voters will show up” at the polls.
The countywide ballot questions will allow residents to vote “yes” or “no” on homestead exemption amendments that would allow homeowners to make minor repairs or renovations without experiencing an increase in their tax bills.
House Bill 767 would enable property owners to make improvements to their homes equal to up to five percent of its property value without having their assessment raised, while House Bill 768 would allow the same exemption for school taxes.
The bills passed in the Georgia House and Senate in April and were signed by the governor in May, but the mandate to place the question on November’s ballot was not handed down until late August.
After receiving the notice to hold the election, Liberty County Chief Registrar Ella Golden said if her office had been informed sooner, she would have suggested holding the election on the Sept. 18 special election date to avoid interference with regular city elections.
In an interview with the Courier Friday, Golden said she and her staff have been working diligently to inform residents of the additional countywide questions and was “confident that Liberty County voters will show up” at the polls.