Trenton, GA – Trenton City Commissioners thought they put the issue of Georgia’s HB 581 to rest back in February, with their vote in choosing not to opt-out of the new statewide homestead exemption law, as approved by voters in the November 2024 election .
But poor participation from nearly 70% of taxable agencies in Georgia since its enactment prompted the state legislature to approve HB 92 last session. Designed to address some of the inadequacies found in HB 581, HB 92 was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp April 1st.
Among the bill’s perceived improvements, is a requirement for tax authorities who chose to opt-out previously of HB 581, are required to do so once again before March 1, 2026, with previous stipulations kept in place from the previous .
Trenton Mayor Alex Case seemed unmoved by the latest revisions, suggesting to board members that to fulfill the requirement by law of tendering a proposed roll-back of millage rates, that the city provide the current millage figure used for the proposal requirement, saying that it will ultimately be the rate levied. The board did so by a unanimous vote during Monday night’s regularly scheduled meeting of the Trenton City Commission.
In other state related business, Mayor Case had kudos for the city’s public works department, rectifying three issues found during a recent inspection of the Trenton Sewer Department. Mayor Case said he recently received a letter from the EPD, approving better chemical storage and separation, the upgrade of records to a digital format, and a better flow calibration, all cited as issues in the state environmental testing.
In pending business, Mayor Case says the final draft for an IGA with Dade County for the operation of the Trenton Dade Animal Center is in the works and could be ready for panel review by the next joint meeting. Mayor Case also took a moment to promote a pet adoption event set for this weekend at the Dade County Sports Complex.
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Coinciding with the Antique Alley Yard Sale, the Trenton Dade Animal Center and Luck’s Rescue will host a showcase of adoptable dogs, sourced from both the city shelter and Luck’s Rescue. The event goes Thursday through Sunday from 9am until 2pm at the Sports Complex.
In other animal news, Interim Director of Animal Services Emily Richards briefed commissioners on recent donations of vaccines and supplies for the current stray animal population and said she’s trying to keep the current shelter eligible for a potential $25,000 grant. Commissioner Monda Wooten praised the volunteer community for stepping up to the animal control issue, vowing continued support.
For next month’s meeting and workshop, Mayor Case asked the board to carefully review and study a proposed “Acceptance to Roads” ordinance for potential subdivision development within city limits. Attachment.aspx
In community news, Commissioners noted the impending May 24th opening of the Trenton Pool.
Starting June 2nd, The Senior Swim sessions are set to begin daily at 11am, allowing free access for those age eligible.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Trenton City Commission is set for June 9th at 6pm at City Hall.
By Vince Lennon