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One of the main discussion topics at Tuesday’s work session of the West Point Council was the possibility of a city homestead tax exemption. 

I think that the council has been considering this for a while especially the mayor and councilman [Jerry] Ledbetter…there’s been a lot of discussion about the city of West Point providing for homestead exemption on City of West Point taxes; property taxes, residential real estate taxes,” said Alex Dixon, City Attorney.

The exemption could be for homeowners in the city of West Point. This would be separate from the county homestead exemption. Dixon said Troup County currently provides a $2,000 exemption. Tramell expressed concern about the difference in exemptions for Harris County and Troup County residents. Dixon said he would come back with some more information about the counties. 

“You have to apply for it. It is limited to the primary personal residence of the applicant. You have to apply for it through the county tax assessor. If approved it … provides a $2,000 credit on that tax bill annually,” Dixon said. 

The attorney adds that the easiest way to implement the exemption would be to see which residents have been accepted for the credit through the county and apply the same resident for the city credit. 

“I think ultimately you’re gonna have to consider what financial consequences there are. How much money is that going to mean for whatever deductions the council wants to approve? How is that going to impact the city’s budget,” said Dixon. 

Council member Sandra Thornton asked if the exemption is for certain populations, like seniors. 

“There are several different exemptions you can consider,” Explained Dixon. “Troup County has multiple homestead exemptions…I think there’s a consensus on the council that what you’re interested in approving would be an across-the-board [exemption].”

Both Dixon and Tramell agreed that the details would be ironed out over the next year, with nothing being voted on until after Jan. 1 of next year, so as not to impact this year’s city budget.