JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Commissioner Ruric Brandt of Marion County recently presented a new resolution pertaining to the creation of a committee dedicated to the oversight and implementation of a property tax free program within the county.
County Attorney William Gouger explained, on behalf of Brandt, the resolution aimed to create the Property Tax Freeze Implementation Committee, with members consisting of several county commissioners alongside County Mayor David Jackson, Trustee Diane Massengale, Assessor of Property Darrell Pittman, and Finance Director/Bookkeeper Annabelle Layne. According to Gouger, the core goals of the committee is to study the impact of implementing a freeze tax within the county, overseeing the financial impact of the tax freeze’s incorporation within a 10-year timeframe, and determining all administrative costs associated with the program.
“The information only resolution establishes a minimum age of 65 years for applicants and income not exceeding $60,000 per year,” explained Gouger. “Also this freeze program only applies to the principal residence of the applicant, and is limited to five acres of land.”
Brandt acknowledged his intent to form the committee was to establish a body which aimed to help residents financially struggling with paying their property taxes. This stemmed from several residents of the county’s District 1 area who’ve expressed worries of current costs and the possibility of a rise in property taxes caused by ongoing growth within the community.
“I think there are a lot of people from the cities right now where it’s hard enough with the city tax and then get hit with the county tax as well,” said Brandt.
As the discussion continued, Commissioner Don Adkins expressed some concerns to the proposed resolution. He said he felt the resolution should be placed on hold until upcoming property reevaluations are conducted later in the year.
“It seems premature if we’re going to have a reevaluation of all our property values coming in the fall,” said Adkins. “We’re in no hurry because this would only impact or benefit anyone given that we have a tax increase. And I don’t think we’re anticipating that.”
Ultimately, it was decided by the board that the committee would be established, one commissioner from each district in the county to represent the committee. The commissioners that will serve on the appointed Property Tax Freeze Implementation Committee will include David Abbott for District 1, Nick Holland for District 2, Paul Schafer for District 3, Dennis Rollins for District 4, and Logan Campbell for District 5.