Columbus, GA Wills and Estates Attorney News Archive

On November 4, 2025, voters in Floyd County, Georgia, will head to the polls to decide on several important state and local issues. Among the key races is the re-election bid for the Public Service Commission, where incumbents Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson are facing challengers Alicia M. Johnson and Peter Hubbard.

A significant local matter on the ballot is the renewal of the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST), a one-percent sales tax designed to reduce property tax burdens in Floyd County and the City of Rome. Voters will also deliberate on two important alcohol-related measures: whether to permit the sale of distilled spirits by the drink and to allow sales on Sundays.

For real estate and corporate stakeholders looking to prepare for these voting outcomes, insights and polling information are available on the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page. This election holds not just local significance but also impacts community standards, business regulations, and legal considerations related to wills and estates.

Cave Spring, Georgia, is gearing up for a city council candidate forum this Thursday at City Hall, offering residents an opportunity to engage with candidates vying for important local positions. Among the key contenders are Kristi Reed and Nancy Fricks, who are competing for Post 3. In Post 4, incumbent Charles Jackson will square off against Greg Webb. The battle for Post 5 features participants Warren Baker Harbin and Tom Lindsey, as the community prepares for Election Day on November 4.

Local lawyers and public officials are emphasizing the significance of informed voting. They stress that this election could have a lasting impact on business regulations and real estate law in the area. With early voting set to begin next week, it is crucial for residents to fully understand the implications of municipal governance, including how these decisions affect wills and estates.

Georgia has launched a new school voucher program, allocating $7.1 million to support families seeking alternative education options. The initiative offers $6,500 annually per child for those transitioning to private schools or homeschooling.

The program has made a significant impact on educational institutions across 102 cities, including McDonough and Conyers. Covington Academy in Newton County stands out as the top recipient, receiving $120,701. Most of the funds have gone to schools affiliated with Christian organizations, according to reports from the Georgia Education Savings Authority.

Experts and local officials are closely monitoring the program, particularly its effects on educational quality and competition, though evaluations are not expected for another 15 months. As discussions around business and corporate roles in education intensify, Georgia is also turning its attention to real estate law as it relates to these educational initiatives, especially concerning wills and estates connected to educational investments.

This fall, Georgia's expanded school voucher initiative has made a significant impact, distributing $5.4 million across 102 cities. Families can receive $6,500 per child to help transition from struggling public schools to private education.

Among the noteworthy recipients is Covington Academy in Newton County, which received $120,701. Schools in McDonough, Covington, and Conyers matched funding totals seen in larger hubs like Atlanta and Savannah. The program, under the oversight of the Georgia Education Savings Authority (GESA), primarily supports educational organizations affiliated with Christian institutions.

As this fiscal initiative unfolds, there are growing concerns about its effects on real estate values and business opportunities in local communities. Stakeholders are looking forward to a comprehensive review by GESA in 15 months, which will evaluate the program's effectiveness in enhancing educational quality and competition.

Rome City Manager Sammy Rich is calling on local legislative leaders, including State Senator Chuck Hufstetler, to provide prompt clarification regarding House Bill 581. This proposed legislation could introduce a floating sales tax designed to ease the property tax burdens faced by residents.

Rich points out that while some projections suggest a potential delay in implementation until 2027, there is optimism that with the right approvals, tax relief could begin as soon as 2026 through early collections. This initiative is part of a larger conversation around business and corporate regulations and highlights the changing landscape of real estate law in Georgia.

As communities work to adapt to these shifts, Rich underscores the need for collaboration among officials to tackle the complexities of property tax reforms. The floating sales tax proposal, which is contingent upon voter approval in November, aims to deliver substantial financial assistance to local property owners.

Spencer Hogg has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the Rome-Floyd County Joint Development Authority, following Missy Kendrick's tenure. The announcement was made by development authority chair Jimmy Byers on Tuesday, signaling a major shift in leadership for business and corporate affairs in Georgia.

Hogg brings a wealth of experience to his new position; he formerly led the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority, which includes Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, and Walker Counties. With a strong commitment to advancing real estate law and promoting local economic initiatives, he is set to begin his new role in just two weeks.

This leadership change is poised to introduce new perspectives to the management of wills and estates, reflecting the evolving business landscape in the region.

Residents of Rome and Floyd County, Georgia, are preparing for an important vote in November on a proposed additional penny sales tax. This initiative aims to ease the burden of property taxes for local homeowners.

During a recent meeting, State Senator Chuck Hufstetler addressed House Bill 581, which grants local governments the authority to seek voter approval for the new tax. This proposal is seen as a potential solution to ongoing concerns about rising real estate tax burdens in the area.

Floyd County Commission Chair Allison Watters highlighted the importance of establishing an intergovernmental agreement. Such an agreement would ensure that revenues generated from the proposed tax are distributed fairly among local entities.

Additionally, the new measure includes a provision that expands the homestead exemption in Georgia to cover school taxes, providing further financial benefits to homeowners. Local officials are hopeful that this legislation could offer significant relief to residents struggling with property tax expenses.

In a notable development for the Georgia judicial system, Governor Brian Kemp has appointed Benjamin A. Land to the state Supreme Court. This appointment fills a vacancy and highlights Land's impressive background in law, particularly in civil litigation and estate matters.

Land has an extensive career, having previously served on the Georgia Court of Appeals and as a superior court judge in the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit. With over 25 years of diverse legal experience, he is well-equipped to contribute to the state's highest court.

This appointment marks a significant moment for Governor Kemp, who has now selected more than half of Georgia's Supreme Court justices. His actions reflect a commitment to strengthening the judiciary in the state. Chief Justice Nels S.D. Peterson commended Land for his dedication to fairness and a strong work ethic.

Land’s official swearing-in ceremony is anticipated to take place before August 1.

The Rome-Floyd County Drug Court in Georgia recently celebrated the achievements of nine graduates from its groundbreaking program designed for non-violent, substance-abusing offenders. This post-plea accountability initiative, overseen by a dedicated judge, prioritizes rehabilitation over incarceration, effectively creating a link between the criminal defense system and vital addiction treatment resources.

Among the graduates, Titus Allen shared his appreciation for the support he received from family during tough moments, emphasizing the program's commitment to personal recovery and accountability.

The court's innovative strategies aim not only to reduce costs associated with civil litigation and criminal cases but also to lower recidivism rates and address issues of jail overcrowding. As this collaboration continues to develop, it underscores a robust commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals in Georgia through improved legal and social service frameworks.