Efforts to allow Pierce County’s senior citizens to have a 50 percent exemption on county school is apparently underway.
Tony Walsh, Chairman of the Pierce County Republican Party, asked commissioners to consider the senior exemption during a public hearing on the county’s millage rate and budget last Tuesday night.
Walsh said he would be setting up a meeting with county and school board officials soon to consider the idea.
Walsh cited a non-binding poll question in the July Republican Party primary in which local voters were asked if they supported such an exemption.
Republican voters expressed their approval by a 3,390-395 non-binding vote.
Exactly how the exemption would be implemented is still to be determined.
School superintendent Dara Bennett said she is aware of the proposed exemption.
She pointed out that there is already an exemption in place for seniors that is based on income. She noted 944 residents currently take advantage of that exemption. Senior citizens can apply for the exemption at the tax assessors office.
“We have been blessed to use the roll-back millage rate for many years which means a decrease in the millage rate. We have not had to increase taxes for all of our citizens. However, if we had an increased exemption to our tax digest, we would likely have to raise the millage rate in the near future for everyone,” said Superintendent Bennett.
Bennett pointed out the success of Pierce County Schools has many benefits to the county.
“The success of the school system has brought industries and opportunities to Pierce County which is supporting, enhancing, and helping all of Pierce County’s citizens,” she said. “Our school system is the largest employer in the county with approximately 450 employees. Salaries and benefits comprise the largest percentage of our system’s budget. I do know many senior citizens are proud to support our school system like others did when they were in school.”
First proposed about 10 years ago, the idea never came up for a vote before the commissioners.
At that time, the proposal was brought before the commission without the school board ever being consulted.
School board officials estimated at that time the exemption would leave an approximately $556,000 shortfall in its local funds budget — money that will have to be made up by using reserves or raising the millage rate on remaining taxpayers.
Commissioners indicated they are receptive to hearing the proposal and considering the exemption idea.
Any exemption would have to be approved by the Georgia General Assembly before it could take effect.
