Agenda Item
e. Tentative Approval to Opt-Out of HB-581: Save Our Homes Act
Summary: Presented by: Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education tentatively approve a resolution to opt-out of HB-581, known as the “Save our Homes Act”.
Why: HB-581 establishes a statewide floating homestead exemption that increases whenever home values appreciate more than inflation as measured by CPI. HB-581 provides taxing authorities the option of opting out HB-581 and maintaining local control over tax policy once certain requirements are met.
Details: HB-581 establishes a statewide floating homestead exemption that increases whenever home values appreciate more than inflation as measured by CPI.
DeKalb County Board of Education may elect to opt out of the homestead exemption through the adoption of a resolution by March 1, 2025, after completing the following steps:
The DeKalb County Board of Education shall advertise its intent to opt out and conduct at least three public hearings thereon, at least one of which shall commence between the hours of 6:00 P.M. and 7:00 PM., inclusive, on a business weekday. The DeKalb County Board of Education shall place an advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation serving the residents and post such advertisement on its website. Simultaneously, the DeKalb County Board of Education shall provide a press release to the local media.
The advertisement required by paragraph (1) shall appear at least one week prior to each hearing, be prominently displayed, be not less than 30 square inches, and not be placed in that section of the newspaper where legal notices appear and shall be posted on the district’s website at least one week prior to each hearing.
No resolution to opt out of the homestead exemption shall become effective with respect to DeKalb County Board of Education unless the procedures and hearings required by this subsection are completed and a copy of such resolution is filed with the Secretary of State by March 1, 2025.
Financial impact: While HB-581 does not immediately impact DCSD’s financial position, it does pose a long term restriction on local revenues that has the possibility to grow and compound each year which will reduce and constrict the future property tax revenues to support the school system.
Contact: Mr. Byron Schueneman, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance
Effective: November 12, 2024
Status: Attorney Approval Not Required
Mr. Diijon DaCosta Sr., Board Chair
Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce, Vice Chair
Mrs. Anna Hill
Mrs. Whitney McGinniss
Ms. Allyson Gevertz
Mrs. Vickie B. Turner
Dr. Devon Q. Horton, Superintendent Dr. Joyce Morley
February XX, 2025
WHEREAS, the governing authority DeKalb County Board of Education may elect to opt
out of the homestead exemption through the adoption of a resolution by March 1, 2025,
after completing the following steps:
1. The DeKalb County Board of Education shall advertise its intent to opt out and
conduct at least three public hearings thereon, at least one of which shall
commence between the hours of 6:00 P.M. and 7:00 PM., inclusive, on a business
weekday. The DeKalb County Board of Education shall place an advertisement in a
newspaper of general circulation serving the residents and post such
advertisement on its website. Simultaneously, the DeKalb County Board of
Education shall provide a press release to the local media.
2. The advertisement required by paragraph (1) shall appear at least one week prior
to each hearing, be prominently displayed, be not less than 30 square inches, and
not be placed in that section of the newspaper where legal notices appear and
shall be posted on the district’s website at least one week prior to each hearing.
3. No resolution to opt out of the homestead exemption shall become effective with
respect to DeKalb County Board of Education unless the procedures and hearings
required by this subsection are completed and a copy of such resolution is filed
with the Secretary of State by March 1, 2025.
BE IT, THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that the DeKalb County Board of Education has completed
all of the required steps, and does hereby opt out of the statewide adjusted base year ad
valorem homestead exemption established by Georgia House Bill 581.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the
Secretary of State by March 1, 2025.
Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. | Stone Mountain, GA 30083
678.676.1200 | www.dekalbschoolsga.org
______________________________
Mr. Diijon DaCosta
Chair, DeKalb Board of Education
______________________________
Dr. Devon Q. Horton
Superintendent, DeKalb County School District
Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. | Stone Mountain, GA 30083
678.676.1200 | www.dekalbschoolsga.org