Gwinnett County Commissioners on Tuesday voted to opt out of the new statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption introduced in House Bill 581. The vote means Gwinnett homeowners’ assessments will stay the same homestead exemption, regardless of inflation.
Three public hearings were held at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in January and February – while cities and schools are hosting their own hearings on this matter.
The County has an existing Value Offset Exemption(VOE) that protects homeowners from tax increases due to increased property market values. Compared to the new Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption, the VOE protects against inflation and keeps County government taxes lower for homeowners.
Since 2001, Gwinnett County government’s existing VOE has automatically been applied when a homestead exemption is granted to a Gwinnett County homeowner. The VOE freezes the assessed property value at the base year valuation.
With Gwinnett County government’s existing VOE, the homeowner’s County government taxes are based on the frozen base year valuation, even as property values continue to rise. This is why most property tax increases seen by Gwinnett homeowners in recent years have been because of increases in school and city taxes, which have risen as property market values have increased.
Unlike the existing County Government VOE, the base value of the home is adjusted annually for inflation under the new Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption, making it subject to increases.
The benefit of the existing County Government VOE can be seen in the savings that homeowners receive.
The first example is a property in the city of Suwanee with a market value of $420,300 in 2021 that grew to $746,500 by 2024. The homeowner’s county tax stayed at $1,254.71 all four years based on the 2013 base assessed value, which was frozen by the VOE when the homeowner was granted a homestead exemption. The VOE saved this homeowner $5,691.11 over four years.
In another example of a home in unincorporated Auburn, the property’s fair market value increased from $225,500 in 2021 to $407,500 by the 2024 tax year. The homeowner’s County taxes remained stable at $1,066.83 each year based on the frozen base assessed value from 2017. The VOE saved the homeowner $3,116.76 in County taxes over four years.
Historic Braselton building gets better access
The historic 1904 Building, located at 9924 Davis Street in Braselton, has taken a monumental step toward accessibility. Its old freight elevator has been converted to a comfortable passenger elevator, ensuring that all three floors of this cherished landmark are now fully accessible to everyone.
In addition to the new elevator for passengers, the building now features ramps at the front entrance and a fully accessible rear entrance from Davis Street. The rear entrance, located just to the right of the iconic three-story black exterior staircase, includes a ramp and automatic doors leading to the elevator, making it easier than ever for all guests to explore the history and charm of the 1904 Building.
Jennifer Scott, town manager, says: “This is a major milestone for our community. The 1904 Building has long been a centerpiece of Braselton’s historic district, and now, with these enhancements, we can truly welcome everyone to experience its beauty and significance. These improvements reflect an ongoing commitment to preserving the rich history of the building while ensuring it remains a welcoming and inviting space for all.”
Originally constructed in 1904 as the Braselton Brothers Department store for the brothers’ famed mercantile store, this iconic downtown building has, in more recent years, been reimagined as a local market. It offers a bakery, taproom, unique retail shops, and plenty of nooks with comfy chairs. Visitors can pick up the town guide and enjoy historic displays in the lobby and view a collection of paintings by local artist Henry Wood depicting the town’s local landmarks. The building is open every day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is owned by the Braselton Urban Redevelopment Agency.
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