Committee recommends three senior-tax measures — deferral rules, voluntary contribution fund, and raise to work‑off benefit

The Committee on Ordinances (co‑posted with the Committee of the Whole) met May 13 to consider three senior-tax items the mayor hopes to have in effect for fiscal year 2027.

Director of Assessing Steven Cortez summarized the programs and statistics. He said exemptions and deferrals are applied to third- and fourth-quarter tax bills, applicants must file annually by April 1 and that tax deferral is not an exemption but becomes a lien on the property that is repaid when the property is sold or the taxpayer dies. "Applicants may defer all or a portion of their real estate taxes each year at an interest rate of 4.5% and water and sewer bills and liens may be also deferred," Cortez said.

Cortez reported the city received six tax-deferral applicants in FY26 with a combined deferral amount of $37,738.38 and a total cumulative balance of deferred taxes owed of $544,954.78. He said the senior work‑off program is capped at 60 participants and currently allows eligible participants to earn up to $1,500 per fiscal year; the proposed local amendment would raise that maximum to $2,000, which is a non‑reimbursable local option.

Councilors asked about implementation and outreach. Councilor Smith asked how seniors who pay taxes through escrow or electronic payment would be given the opportunity to elect the proposed voluntary contribution checkbox; staff said details on the checkbox location and implementation need to be clarified before the full council meeting. Councilor Hepworth asked for a brief review of the three items for public understanding; Cortez confirmed the proposals link the benefit to the state circuit-breaker threshold and that the work‑off increase is intended to make the program more useful to participating seniors.

Committee motions to send each item to the full council individually carried by voice/show of hands: 1‑85 (clause 41A deferral adoption) and 1‑86 (voluntary taxpayer contribution fund) were sent with positive recommendations; 1‑87 (increase work‑off benefit) was recommended for second and final passage. Committee members requested staff attendance at the full-council meeting to answer implementation questions.

Next steps: the items will appear on the full council agenda; staff will clarify checkbox mechanics for the contribution fund and the city solicitor may be asked to review statutory and liability language as needed.