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

Long County, Georgia, $500,000 Fire Fee SettlementIndividuals who paid a fire fee in Long County, Georgia, between Sept. 6, 2024, and the settlement approval date may qualify for a partial class action refund.Long County, Georgia, $500,000 Fire Fee SettlementWeekly NewsletterClass actions settlements delivered to your inbox.Thank you! Check your inbox for a welcome email.Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.William C. GendronEditor in ChiefPublishedJuly 27, 2026 2:22 PMUpdatedAugust 24, 2026Join the DiscussionTaxpayers 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.