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9 <br /> Recommendation for 2008-09: Retrofitting, repair and maintenance needs continue to exceed <br /> resources. The livability of a home impacts the older adult's ability to remain safely in the home <br /> and limited resources may have the unintended effect of increasing the number of older adults <br /> seeking assisted living and nursing home care. Therefore, it is recommended that a workgroup <br /> seek support from local businesses, faith communities, civic groups and others to increase <br /> funds and volunteer manpower for this task. <br /> Objective B-2: Expand tax assistance for older adults who have difficulty paying their <br /> home property tax over time. <br /> Lead Organization (s): County Board of Commissioners with supporting County <br /> Departments <br /> Activities, Accomplishments and Recommendations: <br /> 1. The Orange County Revenue Collector assists individuals with monthly payment plan options <br /> and accepts credit card payments toward property tax. <br /> 2. The state Homestead Exemption program has been modified to provide tax reduction on <br /> permanent home to elderly (65+) and disabled whose income does not exceed $25,600. <br /> Qualified persons are excluded from tax that is greater of$25,000 or 50% of the appraised value <br /> of their home. In addition, state has established a property tax Homestead Circuit Breaker <br /> Deferment program for elderly and disabled whose income is less than $38,400. <br /> 3. The Orange County Tax Assessor allows for late applications for property exemption requests <br /> completed through December rather than June, subject to BOCC approval. <br /> Recommendations for 2008-09: Promote the availability of new expanded Homestead <br /> Exemption and Deferment Programs for low-income elderly and disabled. Research further <br /> tax assistance strategies for elderly"to aging in place. <br /> Goal C: Transit/Mobility: Enhance mobility options for all older adults regardless of <br /> functionality, through a multi-module vision that is acceptable, efficient, effective and <br /> affordable. <br /> Objective C-1: Increase funding sources for expansion and/or enhancements of <br /> new or existing services to improve older adults transit services. <br /> Lead Organization (s): Department on Aging- Public Transportation Div. with Board of <br /> County Commissioners <br /> Activities, Accomplishments and Recommendations: <br /> 1. A Cross Town Senior Shuttle application by Chapel Hill Transit and OPT for New Freedom <br /> Funds was prepared, submitted, and funded in 2008. The proposed shuttle would pickup <br /> 6 <br />