City homeowners to receive tax relief grant

Jun. 25—TIFTON — A tax relief grant could be on the way for city homeowners.

Tift County Tax Commissioner Chad Alexander reported at the June 20 Tifton City Council meeting that Gov. Brian Kemp plans to reduce property tax by $18,000 of assessed value, resulting in an adjustment of $650 to $700 to property tax for homeowners of Tifton, according to location and millage rate.

Alexander assured council that the state would reimburse the city, county and school board within 60 days of the reduction, ensuring they are unaffected by the change.

Homeowners will only be eligible for tax relief if they had been granted homestead exemption no later than April 1, however. The tax relief will only apply to residential properties and will exclude private, rented and commercial properties.

Concerned that residents may have questions about the tax relief that the city would be unable to address, Mayor Julie Smith requested Alexander assist in providing them with needed information, which he said he would do.