Reason for Question 2 on Georgia ballot

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Sometimes voting issues can be an afterthought, but this year there’s a referendum that could bring relief to Georgians experiencing a natural disaster. Question 2 on any Georgia vote could amend the Georgia constitution to allow counties to grant tax breaks for real estate in a disaster area.

In Newnan, neighbors are still recovering after a tornado swept through the town a year and a half ago. Neighbors on this street tell Atlanta News First that months after the storm, the city slapped them with property taxes while they were still trying to pay for their homes to be rebuilt. Newnan City Manager Cleatus Phillips says the city has been looking at ways to waive property taxes.

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“As the law was written, we could not give any recognition or exemption to people who find themselves in the path of the tornado. Without every homeowner having to make and file a claim, which is a lot of work that you’re asking someone trying to recover from the devastation,” Phillips said

In response, Georgia State Assemblyman Lynn Smith proposed an amendment to the state’s constitution that would give local governments the ability to provide tax breaks for properties damaged by storms and natural disasters. HR594 was unanimously approved and now goes to the constituents.

“I speak for the heart of our community, which came together as we struggled to recover from the aftermath of the midnight F4 tornado that hit us in 2021, and I led the fight to make it easier for people after such ones rush to get help. The resulting bill received unanimous support in our state legislature, and the constitutional amendment is up for a vote this November. HR 594 would amend our state’s constitution to allow local governments to provide tax breaks for properties damaged by storms and natural disasters. Right now they don’t have the ability to even consider it. That needs to change and I hope Georgians will vote YES,” Smith said in a statement.

While this potential change in state law won’t help people here in Newnan still struggling to rebuild, neighbors tell Atlanta News First they don’t want anyone going through the same thing as them.

“It won’t help the citizens of Newnan in this storm, but you never think that will happen unless you have this tool in your toolbelt. That would be a big advantage for us,” said Phillips.

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