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GeorgiaHB 6852025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Bartow County Community Improvement Districts Act; enact

Sponsored By: Matthew Gambill (Republican), Mitchell Scoggins (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Intragovernmental CoordinationState and Local Governmental OperationsLocal Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

How a CID can dissolve

A district can be dissolved if two-thirds of owners and owners with 75% of property value consent, and local officials approve. All district debts must be paid first, and no new projects can be started while winding down. Noncash assets are sold to pay what is owed. Any leftover cash is refunded to owners based on what each paid in the last tax year. After dissolution takes effect, district levies stop.

CID taxes on business property

Districts can tax only taxable, nonresidential real property inside the district. The total rate is capped at 5 mills (0.5% of assessed value) each year. These charges appear on the county property tax bill. Bartow County collects them and keeps a 1% fee, capped at $25,000 per year, before sending the rest to the district. If your parcel leaves the district or becomes nontaxable, it still pays the millage needed to retire any district bonds already issued.

CID borrowing and bond rules

Districts can borrow money and pledge district taxes and revenues to repay the debt. Bonds can last up to 40 years and have fixed or changing interest; usury limits do not apply. Bond money must fund project costs or refund older debt, and new bonds must respect earlier security agreements unless parity was reserved. These bonds are the district’s obligation, not the state’s, and do not require a referendum or state securities-law review. Property owners in the district may pay through levies to cover debt service.

How CIDs are created or expanded

Local officials can create a community improvement district only after they pass a consent resolution and owners agree. A majority of owners and owners holding at least 75% of the property value must consent, certified by the Bartow County Tax Commissioner. To add new land later, a majority of owners in that area and owners with 75% of its value must consent. The district board and the county or cities must also pass annexation resolutions.

What CIDs can build and run

Districts can plan, build, operate, and maintain local projects. This includes roads, sidewalks, street lights, traffic devices, parks, stormwater and sewage systems, water works, and parking or dock facilities. Boards can sign contracts, buy or sell property, hire staff, and accept grants. These projects can improve local services and may also lead to district levies or assessments to pay for them.

Who runs the CID and limits

Each district has at least seven board members. Some are appointed by the county or cities, and others are elected by district property owners. Members must be voters in the district, serve without pay, and can be recalled by a petition signed by 20% of electors or eligible votes. The district may not advocate for or against any ballot measure or election.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Matthew Gambill

    Republican • House

  • Mitchell Scoggins

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 217 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/27/2025

LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR

Yes: 52 • No: 0

House vote • 3/10/2025

Local Calendar

Yes: 165 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/13/2025House

  2. Act 160

    5/13/2025

  3. Effective Date

    5/13/2025

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/10/2025House

  5. House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub

    4/4/2025House

  6. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/27/2025Senate

  7. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/27/2025Senate

  8. Senate Read and Referred

    3/11/2025Senate

  9. House Committee Favorably Reported

    3/10/2025House

  10. House Third Readers

    3/10/2025House

  11. House Passed/Adopted

    3/10/2025House

  12. House Second Readers

    3/4/2025House

  13. House First Readers

    3/3/2025House

  14. House Hopper

    2/28/2025House

Bill Text

  • HB 685/AP* (v6)

    PDF

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