Franklin Springs, City of; ad valorem tax for municipal purposes; provide homestead exemption

City tax relief for Franklin Springs seniors

The law creates a full city property tax exemption for qualifying Franklin Springs homeowners beginning January 1, 2027. Residents must be 65 or older by January 1 of the tax year and occupy a qualifying homestead. The exemption covers the home's full assessed value, including city taxes for bond payments. State, county, and school taxes remain unchanged, and this exemption replaces other city homestead exemptions rather than adding to them. Residents must apply using city-provided forms and verify their age and eligibility. The exemption renews automatically while they remain eligible and live in the home; recipients must notify the city when eligibility ends. The exemption requires approval by more than half of votes cast on the question in the November 3, 2026, referendum. If voters reject it or the required election is not held, the exemption does not start. The act is then automatically repealed on the 365th calendar day after the election date. The city pays election costs, and election officials must publish notice twice during the preceding two weeks and certify results to Georgia's Secretary of State. Any city voter can seek a court order to enforce the election requirements.