Efforts to clarify a proposed senior tax cut appear to have fallen short, resulting in the Howard County Council tabling the bill.
“I have not seen answers to those questions,” said Ted Meyerson, vice chairman of the Commission on Aging, referring to concerns presented to the council including how the cut would affect senior services, where the money would come from and whether seniors were moving from the county because of high taxes.
But Council Member Christopher Merdon, R-District 1, who co-sponsored the bill with Council Member Charles Feaga, R-District 5, said he has not heard any follow-up concerns and is satisfied with the current bill.
“As far as I know, all the questions have been answered,” said Merdon, who met with the commission last week with Feaga.
The Commission on Aging stopped short of endorsing the bill, which would grant a 25 percent tax cut to seniors older than 70 who make less than $75,000.
More data should be found on the tax cut?s long-term impact, said Council Member Calvin Ball, D-District 2, at Tuesday?s council meeting.
He said he also was considering amendments, such as requiring an asset test to determine if the resident has a lot of money in the bank and may not need the tax break.
Council Member Kenneth Ulman, D-District 4, said he was determined to pass the bill by the end of the month.
He said he would work with the commission to make any changes, and the three-week delay would not affect seniors? ability to take advantage of a break next tax cycle.
Commission Chairwoman Sharonlee Vogel said bill should be postponed until the next council because of too many unresolved issues.
The County Council will hold a public hearing Oct. 16 before voting Oct. 30.
