Alpharetta advances tax relief measures

The Alpharetta City Council has had first readings of ordinances that would place referendums on the Nov. 5 ballot seeking to eliminate the income restriction for the city’s senior homestead exemption, and to raise the regular homestead exemption by $5,000. AJC FILE

The Alpharetta City Council has had first readings of ordinances that would place referendums on the Nov. 5 ballot seeking to eliminate the income restriction for the city’s senior homestead exemption, and to raise the regular homestead exemption by $5,000. AJC FILE

The Alpharetta City Council has accepted on first reading ordinances calling for referendums this fall to eliminate the income restriction for the city’s senior homestead exemption and raise by $5,000 the city’s regular homestead exemption.

If approved on second reading, the questions would appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.

One measure would ask voters if they wish to eliminate the income restriction for the $10,000 homestead exemption for residents at least 65 years old. The other would ask voters to raise the regular homestead exemption to $45,000 from $40,000.

Both actions are allowed under legislation approved for Alpharetta this spring by the General Assembly.

In related action, the council approved a resolution authorizing the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections to conduct the Nov. 5 election in Alpharetta; and accepted on first reading an ordinance calling the election. The offices of mayor and Posts 4, 5 and 6 of the City Council will be up for a vote.

The qualifying period will be from 8:30 a.m., Aug. 19, to 5 p.m., Aug. 21, and the qualification fee will be $900 for mayor and $450 for City Council, according to the proposed ordinance.