Long County, Georgia, $500,000 Fire Fee Settlement

Taxpayers in Long County, Georgia, whom received and paid a fire fee charge between Sept. 6, 2024, and the date of final approval of the proposed settlement may be eligible to claim a partial refund from a class action settlement. The final approval hearing is scheduled for Oct. 6, 2026.

Long County, Georgia, agreed to pay $500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit alleging the county imposed and collected an illegal flat fire fee of $150 annually on property owners rather than using a value-based tax as required by Georgia law.

Who are the class members?

Class members are individuals or entities who meet both of the following criteria:

• They were taxpayers within Long County, Georgia (including the City of Ludowici).
• The county assessed them a fire fee and they paid it at any time between Sept. 6, 2024, and the date of final approval of the proposed settlement.

How much can class members get?

The total settlement fund is $500,000. The settlement administrator will distribute this amount among eligible class members as partial refunds for fire fees paid during the relevant period.

The settlement administrator will calculate refunds on a pro rata basis. It will determine each eligible class member’s share by the proportion of fire fees they paid compared to the total paid by all class members. pro It expects the pro rata refund to be at least 26% of the fire fees each qualified class member paid during the refund period less fees and expenses.

How to claim a settlement refund

The settlement divides class members into two categories for the purposes of distributing refunds:

• Individuals or entities who still own the property and are eligible for a refund do not need to take any action. The settlement administrator will automatically mail their refund to the address on file with the Long County tax commissioner.
• Individuals or entities who no longer own the property and who are eligible for a refund will receive mail a claim form at their last known address. They must complete and return the form to receive their refund.

Settlement administrator's address: Terry D. Turner Jr., Esquire, 501 Riverchase Parkway East, Suite 100, Hoover, AL 35244

Is proof or documentation required to submit a claim?

For most class members, no additional proof is required because the settlement administrator already has the necessary information. Only former property owners must submit a claim form certifying they are the taxpayer for the property.

Payout options

The settlement administrator will mail refund checks to the address on file or the address provided on the claim form.

Settlement fund breakdown

The settlement fund will cover:

• Attorneys’ fees: Up to $200,000
• Attorneys’ expenses: To be determined
• Service award to class representative: $12,500
• Payments to eligible class members: Remainder of the settlement fund

Important dates

• Final approval hearing: Oct. 6, 2026

When is the Long County fire fee settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will issue payments to eligible class members after the court resolves any appeals and grants final approval of the settlement.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

This lawsuit alleged Long County, Georgia, imposed a flat fire fee on all property owners regardless of property value in violation of the Georgia Constitution and state law.

Long County denies any wrongdoing, and the parties agreed to to settle the lawsuit to avoid the uncertainty, expense and time of continued litigation.

Sources

1. Settlement notice
2. Preliminary approval order