Agenda - 03-31-1998 - 2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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12 MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION REQUESTING CONSIDERATION OF A PROPERTY TAX DISCOUNT FOR THE ELDERLY WHEREAS, Elderly homeowners throughout North Carolina are finding it harder and harder to pay theirproperty taxes because of rising market values; and WHEREAS, throughout the State some home values have jumped as much as 50 percent since 1991 and while this is considered a good return on an investment it can create a hardship for the elderly who could be paying as much in taxes as it originally cost to purchase their home; and WHEREAS, North Carolina is not among the 20 states that allow elderly homeowners to defer tax payments until they sell their homes or die allowing back taxes to be paid for home-sale profits or estates; and WHEREAS, Only seniors with an income of $15,000 or less qualify for North Carolina's homestead program which subtracts $20,000 offthe home's's tax value; and WHEREAS, this Board feels that if this problem is not addressed, it could force the elderly out of their homes and into nursing and retirement facilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners for the county of Macon as follows: 1. That this Board requests the North Carolina Legislature to address this problem and consider statewide implementation of a property tax discount or deferment for senior citizens. 2. That this Board requests the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners to work with Macon and the other 99 Counties and the Legislature to formulate an acceptable solution to this growing problem. 3. That a copy of ties resolution be mailed to all 99 Counties and the Local Legislative Delegation. 4. That this resolution be effective upon its adoption. ADOPTED this 3rd day of March, 1998. ATTEST: (Seal) / Neon W. Bates, Board Chairman Greenwood!Clerk to the Board