City of Metter; ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes; provide a homestead exemption

City property tax break for Metter homeowners

The law creates a Metter homestead exemption covering up to $2,000 of a home's assessed value, not $2,000 in tax savings. It applies beginning January 1, 2027, only if more than half of referendum votes favor approval. The exemption adds to other city homestead exemptions and covers city taxes, including taxes for city bond payments. It does not lower state, county, or school taxes. Metter residents must occupy a home that qualifies as their homestead. You or your agent must apply to the city and provide information needed to confirm eligibility. The city must supply application forms. Renewal is automatic while you qualify; no yearly application is needed, but you must report losing eligibility. The city must hold the referendum on November 3, 2026, and pay election costs. It must publish notice once weekly for the two preceding weeks and certify results to Georgia's Secretary of State. Any voter can ask a court to compel election officials to comply, including ordering an election. Without voter approval, or if no election occurs, the exemption does not take effect and the act automatically repeals January 1, 2027.