Tallulah Falls Council to weigh tax pact, budget changes

TALLULAH FALLS, Ga. — The Tallulah Falls Town Council will consider several financial and administrative matters July 9, including an agreement related to a new local sales tax option and a 2026 budget amendment.

The council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday at Town Hall, located at 255 Main St.

Council members will begin with routine business, including approval of the June 11 regular meeting and executive session minutes. The consent agenda also includes monthly reports from the Tallulah Falls Police Department, financial department, zoning administrator and volunteer time report.

During new business, council members will consider an annual fingerprinting agreement with the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.

The council also will consider a resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement to regulate and implement a Floating Homestead Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST).

The FLOST agreement comes as local governments across Georgia continue preparations related to House Bill 581, which established a statewide floating homestead exemption and created a pathway for local governments to replace potential lost property tax revenue through voter-approved sales tax collections.

Tallulah Falls previously opted into the HB 581 process after discussions about the impact the legislation could have on the town’s limited residential tax base. Mayor Mike Early said at the time that the decision required balancing concerns about future revenue with the importance of working with other local governments.

The council also will consider a 2026 budget amendment. The discussion follows recent budget planning for fiscal year 2027, during which town officials reviewed projected revenues and expenditures, including the planned use of more than $2.4 million in speed zone camera fund revenue generated near Tallulah Falls School.

Following the business portion of the meeting, council members may enter executive session if needed before Mayor Mike Early gives his comments. The meeting will conclude with public comments and adjournment.

Residents can watch the meeting online through the town’s YouTube channel.