Voters approve pet neutering program; tax exemption for seniors

ATLANTA - A constitutional amendment that would create a program for the voluntary sterilization of cats and dogs easily won approval, but Georgians voted against an amendment that would allow tax breaks for developers of low-income housing. <br> <br> Georgians also overwhelmingly supported a Constitutional amendment Tuesday that makes people who are in default on taxes ineligible to hold elected or appointed office. <br> <br> They also voted to allow heavier taxes on property that has been fouled by hazardous waste and less burdensome taxes on such property that has been restored. <br> <br> Georgia voters said yes or no to eleven questions -- six proposed constitutional amendments and five proposed changes to state law. <br> <br> Besides the amendments were five proposed changes to state law. They don&#39;t amend the Constitution, but because they grant property tax exemptions they require statewide voter approval. <br> <br> Georgians approved a referendum that broadens the group eligible for a $10,000 exemption from school taxes. Currently eligible are those age 62 whose family income does not exceed $10,000. This would exempt retirement income from the earnings test for eligibility. <br> <br> Voters also approved a change in the $43,000 homestead exemption given to spouses of military personnel killed during periods of war. <br> <br> They approved an increase in the tax exemption for tangible personal property from $500-$7,500. The intent is to take the tax off trademen&#39;s tools. <br> <br> Georgians voted against exempting two buildings -- the Academy of Medicine Building in Atlanta, and the William H. Baker building in Savannah -- from property taxes. They also voted against exempting commercial fishing vessels from all property taxes.