Rutherford County senior citizens will get a break on their property taxes, now that Rutherford County’s Board of Commissioners approved a tax freeze.
In a 19-2 vote the commission passed a resolution implementing the senior tax freeze for people over 65 years old, who own their home and make less than the county’s median income of $35,200 per year. An estimated 4,000 seniors will qualify for the property tax freeze.
Commissioners Steve Sandlin and Jeff Rodgers voted against the resolution.
Rodgers defended his vote by noting the county’s senior property tax relief program, which supplements a state program $2 to every $1 that contributes to the property taxes of seniors who make less than $24,790 per year.
“Rutherford County already provides tax relief. …” Rodgers said. “It is the most generous of any county in the state.
“By adopting the tax freeze, we are shifting the tax burden to (others in the county) who are just are deserving,” he added.
But not everyone agreed with Rodgers. Commissioners Ron Williams, Doug Shafer, Adam Coggin, Joe Frank Jernigan and Jeff Phillips spoke in favor of the tax freeze.
“We’re talking about a tax freeze program … for a different set of citizens compared to the tax relief program. …” Phillips said. “These people need protecting. And if it means a couple cents on the tax rate, then I’m for it.”
In November 2006, Tennessee voters overwhelmingly approved plans to provide property tax relief for qualifying seniors.
For as long as seniors qualify for the program, their property taxes will not increase if the county’s tax rate or home appraisals rise in the future.
Other commission business:
- Approved capping the county’s contribution to its senior tax relief at $306. The state will continue to contribution $153 to the program. Qualifying seniors can receive up to $459 toward the first $25,000 of assessed home value.
- Appointed new members to the commission’s Steering Committee. Commissioners Jeff Rodgers, Jeff Jordan, Gary Farley, Adam Coggin, Steve Sandlin, Jeff Phillips and Jack Black will serve on the committee with Rodgers serving as chairman.
- Appointed Murfreesboro Deputy City Manager Rob Lyons to succeed City Manger Roger Haley on the Industrial Development Board.
- Approved changes to the Rutherford County Zoning Resolution.
Michelle Willard can be contacted at 615-867-0816 or mwillard@murfreesboropost.com. |
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