The law allows for a one-time vote to opt-out of the property tax cap and requires that local governments hold three public hearings about opting out so voters can let their voices be heard.
News Graphic

Monroe County May Reverse Voter-Approved Property Tax Cap

January 14, 2025
1 min read

Residents of Monroe County will have a chance to speak out about a big decision on property taxes. County leaders are thinking about opting out of House Bill 581, called the “Save Our Homes Act,” even though voters approved it in November.

What’s Happening: House Bill 581 is a new law that limits how much property taxes can increase each year. The cap is tied to the rate of inflation, which means taxes won’t rise faster than prices for most other goods. Voters across Georgia supported this law by more than 60% in last year’s election. However, counties and school districts can decide to opt out by March 1.

The law allows for a one-time vote to opt-out of the property tax cap and requires that local governments hold three public hearings about opting out so voters can let their voices be heard.

Why It Matters: This decision could affect your property tax bills and the services your family depends on. By opting out, Monroe County might bring in more money for services. But if the county opts out, homeowners could face bigger tax increases than they expected when they voted for the law.

Public Hearing Schedule:

  • Thursday, January 16, at 10 a.m.
  • Thursday, January 23, at 10 a.m.
  • Tuesday, February 4, at 6 p.m.

All meetings will be at the Board of Commissioners Building.

What’s Next: After hearing from residents, Monroe County officials will decide whether to opt out of the law. They must make their choice by March 1.

Take Action: Go to the public hearings and share your opinion.

In The Know: While much attention is given to national politics and the workings of Congress and the White House, local government meetings are where the decisions that impact your daily life are made. City Council, County Commission, School Board Meetings, and Town Halls are where your elected leaders discuss and decide the issues that most effect your family and your community. These meetings are open to the public.

Each week, The Georgia Sun highlights some of the meetings and local government actions you need to know about in your community to keep you informed and to make sure you know what decisions your elected officials are considering and how your tax dollars are being spent.

The law allows for a one-time vote to opt-out of the property tax cap and requires that local governments hold three public hearings about opting out so voters can let their voices be heard.
B.T. Clark
Publisher at 

B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.


Events Calendar