Commissioner Andy Allen Proposes Sales Taxes to Dramatically Cut Property Taxes in Chattooga County

Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen is proposing a bold plan to reduce property taxes by nearly half for homeowners, which would be funded by two new one-percent sales taxes that will appear on the ballot this November. The initiative, which has support from leaders in Lyerly, Menlo, Trion, and Summerville, includes a Flexible Sales and Use Tax (FLOST) and a Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST).

The FLOST would provide significant property tax relief to residents with a homestead exemption, slashing their bills by up to 50%. Funds from the FLOST would be held in an interest-bearing account through 2026, with tax reductions beginning in 2027. This tax also caps annual property value increases to the rate of inflation for homestead properties.

The T-SPLOST would generate an estimated $22.7 million over six years for critical transportation and infrastructure projects throughout the county.

If voters approve both measures, Chattooga County’s total sales tax rate would rise to 9%. The county must finalize intergovernmental agreements by August 7 to qualify for the November ballot.

Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton had this to say about the proposal, “The FLOST can certainly be a positive move for taxpayers, especially those who pay city taxes. I will have a formula each year that goes along with tax bill preparation, to roll back the millage rates associated with the county and city portions of tax bills.   If the measure is voted in, I believe it will be a great way to ease the pressure of property taxes while funding local services in a fair way.”

Please note that the school system’s portion of property tax bills will not be affected by the proposed tax relief measures.