The County Commission on Wednesday declined to implement a senior tax freeze, saying an existing state tax relief program is better. The county will help boost the state program by making a contribution.
Commissioners Sabrena Smedley, Randy Fairbanks and Greg Martin voted in favor of a senior tax freeze.
Opposed were Joe Graham, Jim Fields, Chester Bankston, Greg Beck, Warren Mackey and Tim Boyd.
The City Council had voted on Tuesday night for a senior tax freeze.
County officials said it was estimated it would cost the county $400,000 to $500,000 to implement the program, including software cost, several new personnel and auditing expenses. Ongoing annual costs would be around $200,000 to $300,000, it was stated.
City officials said they expected a cost of only about $30,000 for personnel and $10,000 for supplies.
The senior tax freeze applies to those 65 or older with an income not exceeding $38,720.
County Trustee Bill Hullander said the income level on the state tax relief program is $29,100.
Individuals must reapply each year on both programs.
The state program applies to those 65 and older as well as widows of veterans, totally disabled veterans and totally disabled persons.
The state currently contributes $694,765 to the county for the program. It supplies $291,484 to the city.
The county will begin to pay half of the state amount - or about $350,000.
Trustee Hullander said 3,426 people are now on the state tax relief program in Hamilton County.
He said they receive an average of $157 in tax relief.