10-24-05 Regular Meeting of Fiscal Affairs Committee Minutes

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"I or exam le, the exemption were to double to $24,000, th~mpact would double the ff P x$13.7 million to $27.4 million and reduce tax revenues by another X64,000,"he said in a report to the council. A 'freeze" would impact 13 percent of the tax base and costing the city $32, 000 initially. Roberts said that figure could increase as more homeowners qualify for it, while the tax revenue lost from an exemption increase "would generally stay at that level." Maass told council members Thursday that "any small freeze is a big help,"particularly to senior homeowners on a fixed income. Former principal James Rothermel, who also served a stint on the city council, said the city "has done a tremendous job for our youths (through its parks system)" and asked it to "do something" for the senior citizens. Tate said the council is aware of how increases in taxes and utility fees impact residents. "It's been a difficult year for everybody,"he said. Councilman Henry Pettie Jr. pointed out that Washington County and Blinn College have already implemented the tax freeze. "Why can't the city do the same?"said Pettie. But councilman John Pledger pointed out that a freeze or an exemption increase will result in a shifting of the tax burden. "Someone will pay this if you don't,"Pledger told the senior citizens at Thursday's meeting. "It'll either be the businesses or your children or grandchildren."