Residents in Rome and Floyd County will not get the chance to vote this November on a proposed new sales tax that could have reduced or eliminated part of their property tax bills. During a special session of the Georgia General Assembly over the weekend, lawmakers failed to approve a package of local tax measures that included requests from Rome and Floyd County to establish a Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST).

The proposal would have allowed communities to ask voters to approve a 1% sales tax that could be used to offset property taxes for homeowners. While the state law creating the LHOST option passed earlier this year, each local government must first receive approval through local legislation, which requires a two-thirds vote in the Georgia House.

The package received a 95-67 vote.

State Representatives Katie Dempsey, Eddie Lumsden, and Matt Barton had included requests from Rome and Floyd County in the legislation.

Democrats remained opposed to the proposal, arguing that the new sales tax would increase costs for consumers on everyday purchases such as school supplies, clothing, and other household necessities.

“The no-vote today is a vote for no new taxes,” said Tanya Miller, who called the proposal a “bait and switch.”

Republicans argued that rising property taxes have become a burden for many homeowners and said the measure would have provided meaningful tax relief.

Supporters also noted that visitors and tourists would help pay the sales tax. However, opponents pointed out that the revenue could only be used to reduce local government property taxes and would not affect school taxes, which typically make up the largest portion of a homeowner’s tax bill.

Political observers have suggested that opposition to the measure may be part of a broader electoral strategy aimed at reducing Republican voter turnout in November, potentially benefiting Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms.

The issue stems from Senate Bill 33, which was passed during the final hours of the 2026 legislative session and signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in May. The law allows local governments to pursue an LHOST, but only after receiving approval from the General Assembly.