Q: In a recent AJC article about the equalized homestead option sales tax (EHOST) in DeKalb County, I’m wondering about the last sentence, which said voter approval would make the frozen exemption permanent for as long as the EHOST—if it passes—remains in place. How would this tax exemption end?
—Nancy Bruce, Brookhaven
A: A referendum on DeKalb ballots would make a property tax break for homeowners permanent. The tax break, known as the frozen exemption, provides a discount on property tax bills to offset the cost of increasing home assessments.
If approved Tuesday, the frozen exemption would remain in place for as long as another tax break on the ballot, the equalized homestead option sales tax, is in effect.
It would take a change in state laws governing DeKalb to change or end either tax break. Previously, the frozen exemption had to be renewed every five years.
Q: Is it true that Hugh Hefner bought the crypt next to Marilyn Monroe? If so, when did he buy it, and for how much?
—Don White, Atlanta
A: Hugh Hefner bought and is now buried in the crypt directly next to Marilyn Monroe, NPR reported. The LA Times reported that Hefner purchased the mausoleum drawer, which is located at Los Angeles' Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park, in 1992. The Playboy founder paid $75,000 for the plot, according to media reports.
Hefner died on Sept. 27 at the age of 91.
Fast Copy News Service wrote this column; AJC staff writer Mark Niesse contributed. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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