Two Howard County Council members are seeking a tax break for seniors in order to cut back on county services.
“We believe there is tremendous cost savings in keeping seniors here,” said Council Member Chris Merdon, R-District 1, who proposed the initiative Monday with Council Member Charles Feaga, R-District 5.
Seniors who move away are often replaced by families who cost the county more money, said Merdon, who is running for county executive. For instance, it costs $11,000 to educate one child, he said.
Residents ages 70 and older whose income is $75,000 or less could see their property tax bill reduced by 25 percent and frozen at that rate, according to the proposal. The age limit was imposed by the state, Merdon said.
The break could cost the county $2 million, based on state estimates. Merdon said this is 10 percent of the county?s current surplus.
In May 2005, the council passed a bill allowing seniors to defer an increase in property taxes, but the “cumbersome” application process kept many from taking advantage, Merdon said.
At the time, state law prevented the county from offering a tax break, but the state legislature recently passed a bill that cleared the way for this proposal, he said.
Ellicott City resident Bob Mazzuca, 66, said his tax bill has doubled to roughly $4,000 in the 11 years he has lived in the county.
“I?ve had to go into my life savings to pay my taxes,” he said.
Feaga said a lower eligibility age or higher tax cut could invite more debate.
“I don?t think anyone [on the council] could object to this,” he said.
Greg Fox, who is running for County Council in District 5, said the council should work with the state delegation to address the needs of those between 65 and 70 years old.
If you go
» The proposed property tax break will be introduced at the County Council legislative session Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
