Increase of income limit in Senior Tax Freeze Program discussed at County Commission

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – During the informal Montgomery County Commission meeting this week, officials spoke on the opportunity to increase the income limit for the Senior Tax Freeze Program.

According to the resolution, “The Property Tax Freeze Act is a program established by the state to assist senior citizens by freezing their property taxes in place to protect them from future increases in tax rates or in increases to their property assessments.”

The program in Montgomery County currently has an income limit of $42,890, however, with this resolution, county commissioners have a chance to increase the income limit to $60,000.

Going into Monday’s meeting, it was unclear whether the income limit, if passed, had to be set at $60,000 or if it could be an amount between $42,890 and $60,000.

Commissioner Jonathan Gannon said he spoke with the executive director of the County Commission Association and the TCSA (Tennessee County Services Association) who told him the income limit can range between the two figures.

Commissioner Chris Rasnic, the sponsor for the resolution, asked for his colleagues’ support, because of the rise in cost of living. He added that there are only 1,146 seniors enrolled in the program, which only makes up less than 1% of the population.

Commissioners Jason Knight, Lisa Prichard and David Shelton all spoke in favor of the proposal. However, some officials had concerns.

Financial implications for county

Commissioner David Harper said helping the county’s senior citizens is important, but he asked what the financial implications would be if the income limit were set at $60,000. While it was unknown, Mayor Wes Golden said he has reached out to the county Property Assessor’s Office to find out.

Harper said that without knowing what the loss of revenue would look like, it’s hard to support the resolution. He suggested the county takes another look at the resolution next year.

Commissioner Billy Frye said the spirit of the law is to help low-income seniors and to act as a redistribution tool. Frye said if they were to set the income limit at $60,000, then at least 50% of seniors would become eligible.

Golden said any change to the income limit would be implemented next tax year. That way the county can educate citizens on the details.

To apply for property tax relief, visit the Montgomery County Trustee’s Office, Suite 101-B, in Veteran’s Plaza. To see available services, including paying taxes online through the County Trustee office, visit mcgtn.org or call 931-648-5717 with questions.