Hamilton County Commission to consider senior tax freeze resolution

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Could there be a tax freeze for Hamilton County seniors?

This is in the wake of record property values across the county.

A Hamilton County Commission resolution would prevent the tax bills of those over the age of 65 with incomes under $48, 250 from rising in the case of future tax or property value increases.

That value could be increased to $60,000 according to state law.

It would not apply to the current tax bills from this year’s appraisals.

It would cost the county $350,000 to implement, with an annual cost of $250,000 to maintain.

There were concerns presented on how this could shift tax burdens on younger taxpayers.

Hamilton County Finance Director Lee Brouner said, “There’s so much more cost involved in the tax freeze program. Again there is only a benefit to the tax freeze program to qualifying taxpayers if and when there’s a tax increase.”

The county currently does have an income relief program for the elderly and disabled residents under $37,530.

The Commission will vote on this program next week.