Clayton County Board of Commissioners Special Called Meeting – February 12, 2026

The Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting on February 12, 2026, to consider opting out of Georgia House Bill 581 and to introduce a local act creating additional homestead exemptions for specific groups. The meeting included votes on two resolutions, public comments, and a motion to table a proposal for a broader homestead exemption increase.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Glenda Williams and Judith Cotton (retired Army veteran) expressed support for the opted-out approach and asked for clarification on the three options presented to the board.
• Lamar Johnson (District 3) thanked the board for opting out and expressed interest in further relief for those under 64.
• Orlando Gooden (District 3) criticized the board for lack of transparency, citing the $99 million budget shortfall and mandatory trash fee concerns, and argued that opting out without clear reasoning undermines trust.
• Mickey Garber disagreed with Orlando Gooden, praising the opt-out decision as allowing local control and rejecting the characterization of politicians as thieves.
• Leandria Johnson (River’s Edge) urged the board not to opt out, stating that HB 581 would protect homeowners on fixed incomes from losing their homes to investment companies.
• Vicki Warren supported the opt-out and advocated for a 1% sales tax (splash) to shift burden from homeowners, criticizing Lake City for opting out of that.
• Darlene Johnson was happy with the opt-out but said the public was not given enough information about HB 581 and appreciated younger commissioners advocating for relief for those under 64.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 2025-36 – Opt Out of HB 581: The board discussed and voted to opt out of the statewide floating homestead exemption. The motion passed with votes in favor, one opposed (Commissioner Reeves), and one abstention (Commissioner Davis? Actually, the transcript shows one no and one abstention, but not explicitly named).
• Resolution 2025-37 – Local Act for Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemptions: This resolution introduces a local act to provide additional homestead exemptions for disabled veterans, unremarried surviving spouses of peace officers or firefighters killed in the line of duty, 100% disabled residents, and residents over age 65. Commissioner Reeves asked about the timeline (effective January 1, 2026, subject to November 2025 ballot) and whether it excludes those 64 and under. Commissioner Davis raised concerns about fixed-income residents under 64 and asked about freezing assessments. The tax assessor explained that freezing could harm revenue from public utilities. After discussion, the resolution passed with one opposed and one abstention.
• Proposed Resolution 2025-38 – Increase Homestead Exemption from $10,000 to $15,000: Commissioner Reeves moved to introduce a resolution increasing the homestead exemption for all homeowners, regardless of age, to provide broader relief. Attorney Reed noted it would still require a November ballot and would not be immediate. After debate about needing financial impact analysis and further study, the board voted to table the motion until the March 4 meeting. The motion to table passed.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2025-36 passed: Clayton County opted out of HB 581 (homestead exemption freeze). Vote: majority aye, one nay, one abstention.
• Resolution 2025-37 passed: The board approved introducing a local act to create adjusted base year homestead exemptions for seniors 65+, disabled veterans, surviving spouses of line-of-duty deaths, and 100% disabled residents, to take effect January 1, 2026 if approved by voters in November 2025. Vote: majority aye, one nay, one abstention.
• Motion to table Resolution 2025-38 passed: The board tabled consideration of a resolution to increase the general homestead exemption from $10,000 to $15,000, referring it to the March 4 work session for further study of financial impacts and legal options.
• Public comment period concluded with no further actions.