MINUTES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING JANUARY: 23, 2025 6:001 PM MERIWETHER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Commissioners Present: Chairman Adam Worsley, Vice Chairman Emmett Collins, and Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Gene King and Commissioner Bryan' Threadgill. Staff Present: County Administrator. John Gorton, and County Clerk Allyson Stephens Commissioner Jennifer Snelson. Staff Absent: County Attorney Nathan Lee I. CALL TOORDER II. ADOPT AGENDA The Meeting was Called to Order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Adam Worsley. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Emmett Collins and seconded by Commissioner Jennifer Snelson to Adopt the Agenda. All were in favor. III. PUBLICHEARING 1. House Bill 581 - Intent to Opt Out of Homestead Exemption into the Public Hearing at 6:00 p.m. All were in favor. An motion was made by Vice Chairman Collins and seconded by Commissioner Snelson to enter County Administrator John Gorton stated that in response to the Referendum, 59.76%0 of residents in the County voted for Proposed Constitutional Amendment 1, which is HB: 581 and 40.24% voted no. Administrator Gorton stated that himself, staff, and the Tax Commissioner are recommending the County to opt out due to the current exemption that Meriwether County has. Administrator Gorton stated the current exemption is better for the citizens than what is being proposed with HB 581. Administrator Gorton stated there was aj packet put together that included the press release that went out in the media this week, social media post that went online today, and an informational document. Administrator Gorton stated the informational document will be placed on the County website as well for citizens to review and ask questions. Administrator Gorton stated that from his understanding ofHB 581, currently under the existing homestead exemption that isi inj place inl Meriwether County, ifyour home is valued at $150,000, you have a homestead exemption of$150,000. Under HB 581 it may raise it toai fair market value and the $150,000 could increase to $400,000, meaning you will be taxed on $400,000 dollars, which will double the taxes owed. Administrator Gorton stated that by opting out of HB 581, the County will keep the same current homestead. Administrator Gorton stated that if Meriwether County doesn't opt out, he feels it would put a burden on the citizens ofthe County by doubling their taxes. Administrator Gorton stated this is the reason staff is recommending the County to opt out. Administrator Gorton didn't feel the question was worded properly on the ballot and when people saw "homestead exemption," they felt it would be a savings for them. Administrator Gorton stated information will bej posted online to help citizens better understand the bill and the need to opt out. Administrator Gorton stated that there is a deadline for opting, which is March Ist. Administrator Gorton stated there is also aj proposed HB 92 that ifp passed would extend the deadline until May 2025. Administrator Gorton stated that Meriwether County will continue tol hold meetings in order to meet the March Ist deadline. Administrator Gorton stated that Future Meetings regarding the intention of Meriwether County to Opt Out ofHB: 581 willl be February 3, 2025, February 11, 2025, and February 18, 2025, all being from 6pm to7 Administrator Gorton stated there will also be a Special Called Meeting on February 18, 2025, for the Board to vote and ifthe Board votes to opt out, they will Adopt a Resolution which is turned into the State. Administrator Gorton stated that if the Board does vote to Opt Out, it would give staffroughly 8 days to get all requirements turned into the State. Chairman Worsley asked ift there was anyone in attendance or online to speak for or against HB 581 and the County's Intent to Opt Out. There was no one ini the audience or online to speak for or against. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Collins and seconded by Commissioner p.m. Snelson to close the Public Hearing at 6:05 p.m. All were in favor. IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION There was no need for an Executive Session. V. FUTURE MEETINGS & NOTICES VI. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, a motion was made by Vice Chairman Collins and seconded by Commissioner Snelson to Adjourn the Meeting at 6:05 p.m. All were in favor. Approvedb Iby: Attest: Date: Maiorky Mok 0f he Bord of Conumssions AeCS Atephoro, Counly Clert Tonua 251 2025