Commission Takes Frosty View of Senior Tax Freeze
In a relatively short voting meeting, the Jefferson County Commission had only one item of debatable new business before them, as they convened on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Voting to set aside the rules to allow the agenda, which was out of step with the approved agenda outline that includes a place for elected officials, the Commission arranged to address the policy issue in March. With all other items of new business being in the form of resolutions that either came with the approval of the Jefferson County Planning Commission and receiving no contrary public input or being items of general housekeeping, the question of initiating a Senior Tax Freeze was the main topic for discussion. Commissioner Tucker, who has been championing a Senior Tax Freeze for several years, brought the item for action Tuesday evening. Contending that signing on for the state’s Senior Tax Freeze program would take little in the way of extra administrative costs because the transfer of information had already been addressed on the state level and that the freeze would alleviate some of the financial stress on the “ poorest of poor,” Tucker made the motion to approve a Senior Tax Freeze in Jefferson County. Commissioner Katy Huffaker, who spoke against the freeze in last week’s work session, stated that she had spoken to employees in six counties that have a senior tax freeze and they deemed it difficult, citing confusion among seniors who do not understand the guidelines of the program, such as reassessment for certain home upgrades or the transfer of property to children. Huffaker stated that she would rather see the County make up the difference in the $24 that the current Senior Tax Relief program lost this year from the state and local match. Tucker’s motion was 2nd by Commissioner Bales but failed to find favor with the Commission, garnering support from only four Commissioners (Blevins, Bales, Dockery and Tucker).
Commissioner Turner made a motion to refer the funding of the $24 lost in Senior Tax Relief to the Budget Committee to be included in this year’s budget season. He was 2nd by Tim Seal and the motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Scarlett and Jefferson County Finance Director Potts brought one item for information that will be added to the March agenda. According to Director Potts, issues may arise with Department of Education funding should municipalities decide to annex those areas in their recently approved growth boundaries. Commissioner Scarlett, who Chairs the Budget Committee, expressed concern that annexation could seriously impact sales tax, which is used to fund schools. He stated that he would like to discuss the issue in depth at the March work session and determine if an agreement can be reached with the municipalities should they decide to annex.
The issue of a County Complex and the time line to a decision regarding the placement of the Department of Education, who are currently incurring $4,800 per month in rental costs at the First Tennessee Bank Building, were also topics of discussion. Facilities Chair Turner stated that the Mayor will be bringing a cost comparison on a County Complex vs. current location within 90 days. Budget Committee Chair Scarlett stated that the tab is already accumulating for the Department of Education and that the County should be prepared to make a more expedient decision, rather than allowing the bill to run up at the cost of $150 per day.
In other action, the Commission Approved four resolutions regarding -payday loan businesses, solar energy systems and wind farms, a rezoning request and an approval of leases of business machines. They also approved the Commission Schedule through September 2016, as well as three County side and four school side budget amendments that were brought by recommendation of the budget committee. Commissioner Baxley made a Motion to approve the White Pine School renovation and addition plan and was seconded by Commissioners Musick and Tabor. The Motion Passed unanimously. The budget committee also brought a request from the Highway Department for use of grant money that was approved.
