VALDOSTA— In an effort to provide tax relief to local homeowners, the Lowndes County Board of Education and the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners have collaborated on a proposal to revise homestead exemptions for the first time in 45 years. 

Lowndes County Schools Superintendent Sandra Wilcher and Lowndes County Manager Paige Dukes have spearheaded this initiative alongside the Lowndes County School Board Members and the Board of Commissioners. 

“We are excited about future collaboration, and I think that she [Sandra Wilcher] would agree that she and I are both in between some of the best-elected leadership our community has ever seen and a staff that is second to none,” Dukes said.

Through thorough analysis and community input, recommendations have been created to enhance homeowners’ property tax exemptions. These include increasing the standard homestead exemption from $6,000 to $12,000, increasing the senior (65+) exemption from $10,000 to $40,000, and introducing a new senior (70+) exemption at $50,000 to provide further relief for elderly residents on fixed incomes.

The county and school district opted out of House Bill 581 in favor of this locally driven approach, which officials said aims to deliver more immediate tax relief while preserving local decision-making authority. 

To move forward, the proposal has been submitted to state Rep. John LaHood, who will advocate for the necessary legislative approval. Once passed, the proposal will be placed on the ballot, allowing Lowndes County voters to determine the future of these exemptions. 

Community members are encouraged to stay updated throughout the legislative process and participate in upcoming discussions.