At its meeting on September 2, the Macon-Bibb County Commission approved a resolution to seek property tax relief for senior residents. Mayor Lester Miller recommended the measure, which asks the county’s Local Legislative Delegation to introduce legislation that would establish new homestead exemptions on ad valorem taxes for individuals aged 65 and older. These exemptions would apply to property taxes levied by both the Macon-Bibb County Consolidated Government and the Bibb County School District.
“After five straight years of millage rate reductions, we continue to look for ways to help out the people of Macon-Bibb County,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “The success of our OLOST combined with increased efficiencies in government operations and significantly increased tourism means we have another chance to help.”
Currently, residents can claim a $7,000 exemption on their primary home. The proposed change would introduce a tiered system with additional exemptions at ages 65, 75, and 85, regardless of income level. At age 65, homeowners would receive an extra $10,000 exemption; at age 75, an additional $15,000; and at age 85 or older, they would no longer pay property taxes to either the county or school district. All these exemptions would be applied against both county and school millage rates.
“By providing tax relief, seniors are more likely to remain in their homes rather than selling or downsizing due to financial pressure. This stability can help maintain a consistent neighborhood demographic, which often leads to steadier property values,” said Mayor Miller during his announcement on August 28.
Under Georgia law, creating a new local homestead exemption requires approval from the Georgia General Assembly as well as passage through a local ballot referendum in Macon-Bibb County. The resolution will now be sent forward to the Local Legislative Delegation for consideration in the next legislative session.
