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SB85 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026
Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor
Tim Melson
Tim MelsonSenator
Republican
Session
Regular Session 2015
Title
Athens, ad valorem tax, additional levied
Summary

SB85 lets the City of Athens raise its special-purpose property tax up to 1.20 per $100 of value, but only if voters approve.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes Athens to increase the maximum rate of the city's special-purpose ad valorem tax to 1.20 per $100 of assessed value (12 mils), up from the current 0.50 per $100 (5 mils). The increase can only happen if a majority of the city’s electors voting in a special election approve it. The city must adopt a resolution and hold a public hearing before collecting at the higher rate, and the change takes effect after the governor signs the bill.

Who It Affects
  • Property owners within the City of Athens, who could face higher property taxes if the increase is approved and implemented.
  • Athens residents who are qualified voters, who would vote in the required special election to approve the levy.
Key Provisions
  • Raises the maximum special-purpose ad valorem tax rate from 0.50 per $100 to 1.20 per $100 of assessed value (12 mils), for any tax year.
  • Requires a majority vote of Athens electors in a special election to approve the increase; the tax would take effect only after the governor signs the act.
AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Bill Actions

H

Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Local Legislation

S

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted Roll Call 90

S

Third Reading Passed

S

Read for the second time and placed on the calendar

S

Read for the first time and referred to the Senate committee on Local Legislation

Bill Text

Votes

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass

March 17, 2015 Senate Passed
Yes 18
Abstained 4
Absent 13

Documents

Source: Alabama Legislature