On January 27, 2026, commissioners agreed to vote to opt into HB581 at their next meeting, and on February 2, 2026 the board approved a resolution opting the county into the exemption, 5-0, saying the county was now in a better position to do so.
Historical recordFranklin Countyarchived · approved
Franklin County commissioners reverse course, opt into HB581 tax exemption
After opting out in 2025, county commissioners voted to opt into the state's floating homestead exemption, a change that affects how much homeowners' property assessments can rise for tax purposes.
At a glance
What this means now
The story
In early 2025 the Franklin County Board of Commissioners said it intended to opt out of the state's HB581 floating homestead exemption, holding a public hearing where members said they did not think the exemption would benefit the county in the long run. A vote on the opt-out resolution was tabled once so a companion resolution offering tax relief to citizens could be prepared.
SourcesJanuary 28, 2025, Board of Commissioners Public Hearing Meeting Agenda. MinutesJanuary 28, 2025, Board of Commissioners Public Hearing Meeting Agenda. AgendaFebruary 03, 2025, Board of Commissioners Public Hearing HB581 Meeting Agenda. AgendaFebruary 03, 2025, Board of Commissioners Public Hearing HB581 Meeting Agenda. Minutes
On February 14, 2025, the board approved opting Franklin County out of the HB581 floating homestead exemption, with the motion carried without a call for an all-opposed vote.
The board revisited the issue in a November 25, 2025 work session, where it was recommended commissioners vote on HB581 at the December meeting. At the December 1 meeting, commissioners noted that any county-proposed homestead exemption would need approval from both the state House and Senate.
On January 27, 2026, commissioners agreed to vote to opt into HB581 at their next meeting, and on February 2, 2026 the board approved a resolution opting the county into the exemption, 5-0, saying the county was now in a better position to do so.
What happened
How this issue got here
Open any step for its supporting record. A proposal remains labeled as proposed until later evidence establishes an outcome.
Appeared on agendaproposedHB581 (state property tax legislation) discussion/action
NEW BUSINESS/ACTION
a. HB581
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HB581 (state property tax legislation) discussion/action
NEW BUSINESS/ACTION a. HB581
ApprovedconfirmedResolution to opt in to HB581 property tax relief
the Board felt the county is in a better place now to approve
the Resolution to opt in to HB581.
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Resolution to opt in to HB581 property tax relief
the Board felt the county is in a better place now to approve the Resolution to opt in to HB581.
DiscusseddiscussedHB581 opt-in decision on property tax assessment
Commissioners agreed to vote to opt in at February 2,
2026 meeting. Ken Jarrard will create Resolution to opt in.
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HB581 opt-in decision on property tax assessment
Commissioners agreed to vote to opt in at February 2, 2026 meeting. Ken Jarrard will create Resolution to opt in.
DiscusseddiscussedHouse Bill 581 homestead exemption discussion
any homestead exemption proposed by the county must be
approved by both the House and Senate
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House Bill 581 homestead exemption discussion
any homestead exemption proposed by the county must be approved by both the House and Senate
DiscusseddiscussedHB 581 property tax exemption law - discussion of property evaluations and possible County Homestead Exemption
it was
recommended that the Board consider voting on HB 581 at the regular meeting in
December
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HB 581 property tax exemption law - discussion of property evaluations and possible County Homestead Exemption
it was recommended that the Board consider voting on HB 581 at the regular meeting in December
Appeared on agendaproposedHB 581 discussion
HB 581 - Discussion
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HB 581 discussion
HB 581 - Discussion
ApprovedconfirmedOpting the county out of House Bill 581's floating homestead exemption
Vote: Motion carried 4 (Approved) without a call for an all-opposed vote.
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Opting the county out of House Bill 581's floating homestead exemption
Vote: Motion carried 4 (Approved) without a call for an all-opposed vote.
ApprovedconfirmedOpting out of House Bill 581 floating homestead exemption
Motion to Opt Out: Commissioner Busby
Motion to Second: Commissioner Thompson
Discussion: None
Vote: Motion carried 4 (Approved) without a call for an all-opposed vote.
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Opting out of House Bill 581 floating homestead exemption
Motion to Opt Out: Commissioner Busby Motion to Second: Commissioner Thompson Discussion: None Vote: Motion carried 4 (Approved) without a call for an all-opposed vote.
TabledconfirmedHB581 Opt Out resolution
Commissioner Pulliam: Wants Resolution for citizens if HB581 opt out is passed.
Motion to Table: Commissioner Smith
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HB581 Opt Out resolution
Commissioner Pulliam: Wants Resolution for citizens if HB581 opt out is passed. Motion to Table: Commissioner Smith
Appeared on agendaproposedHB581 property tax exemption (floating homestead) opt out public hearing
HB5801 OPT OUT PUBLIC HEARING – AGENDA
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HB581 property tax exemption (floating homestead) opt out public hearing
HB5801 OPT OUT PUBLIC HEARING – AGENDA
DiscusseddiscussedPossible resolution providing tax relief for citizens if HB581 opt out is passed
Pulliam asked about a Resolution for tax relief for citizens (that was previously mentioned) if HB581opt out is passed.
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Possible resolution providing tax relief for citizens if HB581 opt out is passed
Pulliam asked about a Resolution for tax relief for citizens (that was previously mentioned) if HB581opt out is passed.
Appeared on agendaproposedHB581 property tax opt-out public hearing
HB581 OPT OUT PUBLIC HEARING - AGENDA
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HB581 property tax opt-out public hearing
HB581 OPT OUT PUBLIC HEARING - AGENDA
DiscusseddiscussedHB581 property tax "opt out" public hearing
We feel this bill is not something that would benefit the county in the long run.
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HB581 property tax "opt out" public hearing
We feel this bill is not something that would benefit the county in the long run.
DiscusseddiscussedHB581 property tax exemption opt-out decision (Franklin County declining to opt out)
This is not a decision we have taken lightly; we dont think it is a good
option for the county.
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HB581 property tax exemption opt-out decision (Franklin County declining to opt out)
This is not a decision we have taken lightly; we dont think it is a good option for the county.
Appeared on agendaproposedHB581 property tax opt-out resolution
HB581 Opt Out - Resolution
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HB581 property tax opt-out resolution
HB581 Opt Out - Resolution
DiscusseddiscussedHB581 statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption opt-out
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners intends to opt out of
the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption for Franklin
County
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HB581 statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption opt-out
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners intends to opt out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption for Franklin County
Appeared on agendaproposedHB581 Opt Out public hearing
HB581 Opt Out – Bobby Martin, Tax Commissioner
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HB581 Opt Out public hearing
HB581 Opt Out – Bobby Martin, Tax Commissioner
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