---
date: 2025-01-08
title: 01-08-2025 Minutes
source: 2025-01/2025-01-08_01-08-2025 _Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

5t00kbridge
when Community Conn-cu

CITY COUNCIL
HB 5 8 1 RETREAT
January 8, 2025
9:00 a.m.
SUMMARY MINUTES

Mamr & Clgy Councll Administration

mayor Anthony 5. Ford Frederick Gardiner, City Manager
Mayor Pro Tern Kyle Ser Vanessa Hoilday, City Clerk
Counr"man Elton Nenn er Frank Miazi, City Treasurer
Councilwoman Yolanda Barber Quinton Washington, City Attorney
LaKeisha Gantt
Counci.man Alphonso Thomas

Mission: To provide visionary leadership and superior municipal services that enhance the quality oflife Ior citizens while creating
a welcoming business atmosphere focused on sustainability and expansion of tourism and cultural events.

':":-re 7r, ..ng was called to :rder at 912C am. by Maya- =2'd.

by V?

pledge of Allegiance by all in attendance.

The Sit '
C'erK was asked prtceed with ,
Cell. N! :e meT:t:ers were present except
member Barter and Jami.

rn
e Agenzla to acid the Avahitneate' was by Farmc' Vcun was
Councilmember Alexander noted the contract would require City Council approval.

Mayor Ford noted he has reviewed the contract and agrees with the terms.

Councilmember Thomas requested the contract be distributed to the full Council.

Mr. Young noted the contract was distributed to each member of the Governing Body.

Councilmember Thomas acknowledged that he was having technical issues and was unable to

open the attachment.

Motion to amend the Agenda to add the VyStar Naming Rights Contract was made by
Councilmember Alexander: seconded by Councilmember Thomas. The motion passed

unanimously 3-0.

Mr. Young referenced the annual Naming Rights contract with the City of Stcckbridge and

VyStar for four years with the (2025) in the amount of $300,000 with 3% escalator
payments; second-year (2026) in the amount of $309,300; third-year (2027) in the amount of
$318,270; and fourth-year (2028) in the amount of $327,818, with a variety of negotiated
incentives, and will increase revenue from $2.6 million per year to $2.9 million per year, along
with other sponsorships that are in the works.

Motion to approve the Amphitheater Naming Rights contract with VyStar was made by
Councilmember Alexander; seconded by Councilmember Thomas. The motion passed

unanimously 3-0.

Mr. Young announced the upcoming 2025 Concert Series Schedule, noting the artists have

agreed to the performances, and that he is awaiting funding from the City Treasurer to
the contracts; and noted VyStar has agreed to continue to sponsor city events in addition to
the Amphitheater Naming Rights.

Councilmember Alexander noted the County, spearheaded by Commissioner Robinson, has

agreed to collaborate with the city for BridgeFest whereas the County would be responsible for
all expenses that take place inside of the Amphitheater, and the City would be responsible for
all expenses outside of the Amphitheater.

Mr. Gardiner oontin-ned there has been a discussion of a joint venture with Henry County to
include HispaniFest with the County covering a large majority of the cost during BridgeFest.

C:uncilmember Thomas noted that such an agreement would need to be reviewed and

approved by the City Council.
Mr. Gardiner referenced an additional pending sponsorship in the amount of $250,000 that is

currently en the table.

Mr. Young noted Radio One is bringing Praise in the Park to the Stockbridge Amphitheater
with sponsorship.

Councilmember Alexander asked staff to look at ways to cool down the surface in the pit area
to improve the patron's experience.

Mayor Ford agreed, noting the grassy area has been prioritized for improvements.

Mr. Gardiner noted a pervious surface will help with draining in the grassy area, and that the
chairs need to be replaced.

DISCUSSION
2. Georgia douse Bill 581 -
Statewide Floating homestead Exemption and FLGST.
Presented by: Erederick Gardiner, City Manager and Ed Wall, Financial Advisor
Mr. Wail noted E-ouse Bill 581 was signed into law April 18, 2024, and was passed by the
voters on Statewide Referendum (HR1022) on November 5, 2024; and noted the City of
and Hampton, along with the County need to decide if they will all
remain in or opt out, noting the municipality cannot later opt in or opt out, and that all

municipalities of their respective county must agree; noted the Board of Education mnnot
partidpate in FLOST, and noted the City of Hampton has a frozen exemption. Mr. Wall noted
Locust Grove does not currently offer Homestead Exemption and that according to the Henry

County Tax Commissioner, Michael Harris. they are not eligible to participate. However, it was
noted that the Attorney. Andy Welch is contesting that decision due to the fact that it
would disqualify the City of Locust Grove from participating in FLCST.

Councilmember Alexander noted GMA supports H5581.

Mr. Wei! reviewed a Summary of H3581 as follows:

Curing the week of the 2524 legislative session, four separate bills were consolidated:

Rouse 581 (H3 581;. This comprehensive legislation introduces significant changes to

property taxes and local sales tax options aimed at reducing the reliance on property taxes by
shining some of tne tax burden to sales taxes. Specificaly, HE 581:
f. Establishes a homestead exemption for property taxes tied to
2. Creates a new Elcating Local Option Sales Tax a f% sales tax that functions

simiiarly to a LGS" (Local Option Sales Tax) but replaces property tax revenue with sales tax
revenue.

3. the process for calculating and adopting property tax millage rates and

'0 !back millage rates.
3-.B 581 reauirec' approval through a statewide Constitutional Amendment, which was on the
ballot in November 2024. The amendment passed with 53% o! tne vote (3,087,240 votes in
favor and 1818,724- wtes against).
The regislation allows local governments to opt out of the new homestead exemption between

January 1, 2025, and March 1, 2025. It a government takes no action, it is automatically
included in the exemption. After March 7, decisions to opt in or out are

governments that do not opt out will retain the exemption while those that opt out

will be permanently excluded.

Does the New Homestead Exemption Work?
The new homestead exemption ties the assessed value of a property to the annual
Consumer Price index (GP!) rate, limiting the increase in taxable value to the rate of inflation.
Here's an example:
A house valued at $250,000 in Georgia is assessed at 40% of its market value for property tax

purposes. This means the assessed value of the house is $100,000 ($250,000
40%). Under
HE 581, the base year for the homestead exemption is set as the assessed value in 2024.
if, in 2025, the tax assessor determines the house's fair market value has increased by 10%,
the new market value wouid be $275,000 {$250, 000 + $25,000). At 40%, the assessed value
would rise to $1 10,000 ($275,000 x 40%).

However, under l-.B 581, the increase in assessed value is limited to the annual inflation rate.
Assuming inflation in 2025 is 3%, the ai.owable increase would be $7,500 ($250, 000 x 3%),
resulting in a new meme! appraised value of $257,500. At 40%, this gives a new assessed
value of$103,000 ($257,530 x 40%).
The $7,000 difference between the $1 000 assessed value and the

$103,000 would be added to the homestead exemption. This means the homeowner would be
exempt from property taxes on the $7,000, resulting in savings and further reducing their tax
liability due to the City.
This formula is applied annually, increasing the homestead exemption amount year over year.
When a property is sold, the homestead exemption resets, and the new owner begins the

process again based on the updated assessed value.
While this exemption homeowners, it reduces the growth of the tax digest from
residential properties, shitting the tax burden to other property classes, such as commercial,
industrial, and multi-family properties

riow Does the FLOST Work?
Each of 159 counties is eligitle to implement a new 1% sales tax, known as the

Fioating Local Cption Safes Tax to offset property taxes. However, this option is

contirgent on the county and at; its municipalities choosing not to opt out of the new
homestead exemption. The cLCS" is exclusively available to cities and counties and does not

apply to schools.
Unlike other sates taxes that require the full 1% rate, the FLOST can be levied in increments
as as 0.05%. The revenue generated from the tax is shared between the county and its
cities based on population distribution.
FL does not generate new reven me; rather, it replaces property tax revenue in the same

way as the Local Option Sales Tax j_"ST,'. FLCST functions as an alternative to propeny
axes, shifting the revenue source prooerty owners to a broader base through sales taxes.

FLOST differs from -OST in several keyways. While LOST operates on a 10-year cycle with

renegotiations between the county and its cities, FLOST is limited to a 5-year term. To renew
FLOST alter the initial term, the following process is required:
1. A new local act must be approved by the legislative delegation, passed by the
General Assembly, and signed by the Govemor.
2. A new intergovernmental agreement (lGA) must be executed between the county and
all its cities.
3. The renewal must be approved by voters in a referendum.
If the FLOSTrenewaI fails, the city will lose a critical source of revenue. Since FLOST is

designed to replace property taxes, the City will need to increase its millage rate to make up
fcr the loss, placing the burden back on property owners.
Current Homestead Exemptions in the City
The City currently provided the following homestead exemptions:

Every resident with a homestead exemption gets $10,000.
Residents with a homestead property 62 or o with a septic system gets $15,000

Should the Sig; Ogt Out?

Stockbridge's 2024 gross tax digest was $1.952 billion. Residential property was $1.251 billion
or 64%. (That is very highly concentrated.) The value of all homestead property is hard to

determine. The City has not had a homestead exemption before because it just started levying

property taxes. Some percentage of that $1.224 billion will be eligible and apply for homestead
exemptions. Henry County's homestead property in the City is $425 million. The County
homestead exemption is $15,000. The City's $10,000 exemption is 66% of that. So, 66% of

$425 million =
$283 million. It in 2025, the tax assessor raised the values by 8%, the
homestead property would be worth $3.306 million. It inflation is 2. 5%, the new Floating
Homestead Exemption would only allow the City to tax at $290 million. ($283 million x 2.5%).
So, the homestead exemption would increase by the difference between $306 million and the
amount tied to of $290 million or $16 million. That increased exemption times your

millage rate of 3. 77 mills would total $60,320.

Conclusion
in my opinion, the cost to the city is not so great that it would be prohibitive, and the City does
not have to opt out. Furthermore, it is an opportunity cost and not money out of the
coffers that it has now. Lastly, there is no cap on the City's millage rate in its charter (like a
School Board limited to 20 mills or some cities with a miliage rate cap) and the city has the

option to raise its millage rate if it needs to.

Mr. Wall noted LC-S" (Local Option Sales Tax) = .01 and FLOST (Floating Local Option Sales

Tax) -
.35 and rermmended the City of Stockbridge remain in with a FLOST. noting this
action only affects h:mestead exemption properties.
Mr. Gardiner noted the last SPLOST that was on the ballot in Henry County passed by a very
close vote due to the lack of knowledge by the voters. and agreed the City should remain in,
educate voters on the FLOST, and noted ACCG also supports h3581 and wants everyone to
remain in with a FLOST.

Mr. Wall noted voters must approve the 5-year FLOST and the municipality must go back to
the Georgia Legislature for a renewal and place on the ballot for a vote.

Mr. Gardiner noted the County's position is to use the 2020 Census numbers that would not
include the 7,000 residents annexed into the City of Stockbridge post-census; however, the

City of Stockbridge would be responsible for services for those residents, not the County,
noting this is not project based, but rather a relief to the homeowners.

Mr. Milazi noted the importance of educating homeowners regarding homestead exemption
and how revenue affects services that residents are expecting.

The Council disagreed with the County's position of using the 2020 Census numbers and

respectfully request the County should use 2023 numbers following the annexation of 7.000
new residents into the city.

Mr. Wall noted the next steps would be for the Mayor to sign a formal letter to remain in.

Mayor Ford thanked Mr. Wall for his due diligence and solid advice to the city, noting
the advice given led to the Amphitheater being paid off in August of 2025.

Mr. Gardiner noted approved SPLOST monies are being used to pay off the Amphitheater;
referenced the proposed TAD, a $315 million dollar project that will go to roads and
infrastructure inside the Tax Allocation District, and referenced the Special Tax District where
the city is working with John Ernst for projects such as the Performing Arts Center and Youth
Center that be paid by residents, and instead monies are set aside from the Special Tax

District; noted the Western Parallel is underway and will be ripe for commercial development;
noted the County supports the TAD. referencing a Fire District concern, and that the "Al: is

being placed on an upcoming Board of Commissioners Agenda; noted the new School Board
Superintendent understands and supports the *AD; noted 918581 will be further discussed in a
joint meeting in Macon on canuary and the city will educate the public with town hall

meetings.

N'r. V.ilazi noted homestead can be to the city, however. it is crucial that the city
have various funding sources for city projects and not place a burden on the

general fund.
NEW BUSINESS
3. Code Enfonoement Action Plan and Allocation
Presented by: Richard Gsdfrey, Assistant Police Chief
Assistant Chief Godfrey presented the Code Enforcement Comprehensive Plan noting the

report outlines the progress, ongoing efforts, strategic goals, objectives, action steps, and
resource requirements of the Code Enforcement Division; noted by addressing current

challenges and identifying opportunities for improvement. and that the department aims to
enhance operational foster community trust, and ensure compliance with municipal
codes.
Assistant Chief Godfrey noted the Code Enforcement Department consists of (3) three

covering Zone 1. 2. 3 & 4; reviewed Goals, Objectives, and Action Steps: 1 implement
Routine Neighborhood Patrols by Zone/Council District. 2 Conduct Code Compliance Blitzes.
3- Expand Coverage through Rotating Shifts (with rotating weekend shifts that began last

weekend). 4 Enhance Training for Code Enforcement 5 Public information

Campaign. 6 ntegrate with Police Department Electronic Systems, noting the police
department did piggyback off of the Henry County Records Management system in 2322,
however, the program has limitations, noting the city of Stockbridge is using EnerGov, and the
County is using Sages. 7 Implement a Citizen-Friendly Code Enforcement System. Assistant
Chief Godfrey noted the Code Enforcement wants to fully implement See/CEick/Fix and

utilize to its fullest wpabilities; and noted the department is working on the homeless

encampments where surprisingly, homeless individuals have smart phones, and that for the
most part, homelessness is a lifestyle choice. 8 Increase for Geographical

Coverage. 9 Establish a Code Enforcement Management Position.

Assistance Chief Godfrey reviewed Code Enforcement Department Accomplishments: 1. Zone

Realignment. 2. Strategic Neighborhood Patrols. 3. Enhanced Reporting System. 4.
Operational Adjustments. 5. Homelessness and Business Blitzes. 6. Collaborative
Partnerships. 7. Enhanced Operations. Noted additional resources are needed: Code
Enforcement Manager and an additional Code Enforcement

Councilmember Alexander asked Assistant Chief Godfrey if it is customary to use spray and/or
batons when encountering homeless encampments; and noted support of the blitzes and

requested the outcome and results of the blitzes to be included in the reporting; and asked that
the Code Enforcement operations numbers be reporled that were pre-pandemic.

Assistant Chief Godfrey continued he would retrieve the data from the Community

Development Department where the Code Enforcement Division was during that time and
report the information back to the Governing Body.

Councilmember Alexander noted the Council is seeking zero tolerance, noting the behavior of
violators has not moved under the Police Department and needs to see results, noting the

repeated viola ns along N. 2 my Blvd. with damaged signage, the uncut grass on the Bank
of America hill on Hudson Bridge trees down for more than six months, the car wash near

Banks Rd./Rock Quarry and the boarded up hotel on Hwy.138 are abandoned eyesores, noted
a tractor trailer parked in the on Jodeco Rd. and commercial vehicles parked in

residential neighborhoods are problematic. noting the Code Enforcement Department needs to
be more proactive.

Councilmember Thomas noted the Code Enforcement Strategic Plan as presented looks good
on paper, and expressed concern regarding the implementation; referenced the pop-up food
truck that is set up every weekend in the Chevron parking lot at the corner of Hwy. 138 and N.

Henry Blvd.

Assistant Chief Godfrey noted the business owners need to be educated regarding the permit

requirements and what is and is not allowed on their properties.

Mr. Gardiner noted there is $150,000 in the FY2025 Budget for Nuisance and Abatement
efforts in coordination with Chief Wells and the Building who have oversight, and
noted the city is seeking a demo order for the property on Wilson by the end of the month.

Ccuncilmember Thomas noted there needs to be a formal policy document outlining clarity for
Code Enforcement processes and procedures; asked that the No Litter signage throughout the

city either be cleaned or replaced; referenced a litter campaign coming forward involving girls
scouts and boy scouts in the schools to educate about litter in coordination with the
Stormwater department; noted receptacles were removed in strip malls. and as a result,

patrons have nowhere to throw away trash, referenced loose panels on commercial buildings
that need to be addressed and the cam/ash at Tye Street and N. Henry Blvd. has numerous

violations; and referenced the furniture dumped in the rear Vape shop in the Food Depot plaza.

Assistant Chief Godfrey noted the Vape shop closed approximately three weeks ago.

Councilmember Thomas stated his concern is that Code Enforcement has been under the
direction of the Police Department for two years and the only difference is to add a Manager

position, and that the government should work every day to make everything more
noting the Plan is a good document and wants to see it implemented.

Mr. Gardiner stated the goal is to implement and update the Council in six (6) months; and
noted again that all employees driving city vehicles are to address or report issues they see,

notjus! Code Enfcmment, and believes the Council will see a more robust collaboration.

Councilmember Alexander noted the City Council passed a Commercial Code Enforcement
Fee Schedule and asked about the status of the Keep Stcckbridge Eeautiful Committee.

'Vis. noted the City Council approve the committee as requested by the former
EccnL-ni: Development Director, Kim Allcnce, and that the new Director has the committee on
hold for now.
Mr. Gardiner noted the program will move fowvard,

Councilmember Alexander inquired about a Blight Tax and what is required to implement.

Mr. Gardiner noted the residential or commercial property must be vacant for a year and must
be assessed based on the current millage rate and follow the process of selling or demolition.

Councilmember Alexander referenced the Model Ordinance from Sandy Springs regarding
Sunset Dates which gives businesses a timeline to come into compliance and asked Attorney

Washington to present the ordinance to the Council.

Attorney Washington noted aegal will be working with the Community Development
Department to the Code due to the growth, adjudication matters. there needs to be a

major re-write, and to also empower the Municipal Court to deal with Blight Tax

Councilmember Alexander inquired about assigning a distance limit for Vape Shops as is done
for :ther establishments in the city to prevent saturation. and to review the code as it relates to
the distance requirements to include the radius for businesses in the County.

Mayor Ford noted his support of the Code Enfercement Plan and wants to give the 7slim
Sepanment an opportunity to implement and provide the results to the Council.

Councilmembers Alexander and agree there needs to be results and changes in
behavior.

Adjourn
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:90 pm. was made by Councilmember Thomas; seconded by

Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 3-0.

Respe submitted by:

Vanessa holiday, City clerk
