Staff Analysis of the Legislation
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This bill leaves the current HOST statute in place but adds a new type of HOST called the Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST). The name is unclear and somewhat misleading as the property tax relief provided is not targeted to homeowners specifically. First, the bill provides that both HOST and EHOST are excluded from the 2 percent local sales tax cap. Provisions applicable to EHOST include: it cannot be levied if LOST is in effect; approval of EHOST requires the simultaneous approval of a SPLOST; a special procedure is included for DeKalb County, but not Rockdale County, to repeal HOST and replace it with EHOST plus the requisite SPLOST; EHOST proceeds are used to fund and eliminate any fees or assessments levied uniform throughout the county, including in all municipalities; any remaining unexpended proceeds go to fees or charges levied only in the unincorporated area of the county and fees or charges levied in each city and not in the unincorporated area of the county; proceeds of the concurrent SPLOST levy are to be split between the county and cities on a per capita basis unless provided otherwise by intergovernmental agreement; and, if EHOST is repealed, the SPLOST is likewise repealed. |
