RECOMMENDATION 20220309-04Ciii: MAINTAIN FUNDING FOR EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ON SENIOR HOMESTEAD TAX EXEMPTION — original pdf

Recommendation

COMMISSION ON SENIORS RECOMMENDATION 20220309-04Ciii MAINTAIN FUNDING FOR EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ON SENIOR HOMESTEAD TAX EXEMPTION Strategic Direction: Affordability and Government That Works Seconded By: Spain Date: March 9, 2022 Subject: FY2023 Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Van Sickle Recommendation The Commission on Seniors recommends the City Manager continue to designate at least $20,000 for door to door and other community-based education and outreach on the Senior Homestead Tax Exemption. Rationale: In 2018 the Commission on Seniors adopted Recommendation Number: 20181114- 4B: Recommendation on Senior Property Tax Assistance, calling for education and outreach to older adults on the Senior Homestead Tax Exemption. Community comments identified high property taxes as a barrier to affordability for older adults living in gentrifying parts of Austin. Further, the Commission heard from older adults that they were unaware of the exemptions they were entitled to and/or needed assistance to apply. The Council passed Resolution 20190822-070 endorsing the Commission on Seniors resolution. The Council receives periodic updates on implementation of the resolution. http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=354893 A relatively new state law makes older adults who have inherited their homes with other relatives eligible for a 100% exemption by filing an updated application with the appraisal district. See: https://law.utexas.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/08/2020-12-ECDC-heirproperty_2pg.pdf The FY2022 budget includes $20,000 for this initiative in response to the Commission on Seniors request. The Commission on Seniors recommended in-person, community-based interaction with households identified as potential beneficiaries of the Senior Homestead Tax Exemption. This could include community events and, if appropriate, going door-to-door, to assist older adults in completing the required paperwork to receive these exemptions and potentially save thousands of dollars on their property taxes.  However, due to the pandemic new strategies are being developed. We are hopeful that in-person outreach will be viable in the next fiscal year. Ensuring older adults receive all the tax exemptions they are due is a low-cost way to improve affordability and reduce displacement. Vote For: Briesemeister, Varteressian, Angel, Bauman, Bordie, De Maria Nicola, Garcia-Pittman, Kareithi, Lopez-Guerrero, Lugo, Spain, Temperley, Van Sickle Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Cagle Attest: Janee Briesemeister, Chair