Decatur To Waive Sanitation and Storm Water Fees For Seniors
Decatur Metro | September 23, 2015 | 12:41 pmAs the AJC reports, the Decatur City Commission approved waiving the sanitation and storm water utility fees for homeowners over age 70 in the city, who qualify for homestead exemptions at Monday’s meeting.
According to a note from City Manager Peggy Merriss to the Commission, qualified seniors will receive a $315 credit on their second installment tax bill that will be sent out later this month.
The Decatur City Commission has been looking for a way to provide tax relief to seniors since the Georgia House of Representatives defeated local legislation during the 2015 session that would have allowed the city to increase homestead exemptions for older residents.
The city plans to “move forward with the local legislation again in the 2016 General Assembly session”, according to City Manager Merriss’ note, but for now is making these additional tweaks that do not require legislative approval. The total cost to the city for the fiscal year is estimated at $340,000.
Also at the meeting, the city showed support for an August Decatur School Board resolution that would give full exemptions from the school tax millage for seniors 65 and over. According to the AJC, the city is likely to approved a similar exemption in December. However, such an exemption would also need to be approved by the Georgia Legislature, so it’s certainly not a done deal.
Photo courtesy of The City of Decatur