Fri., November 6, 2009 2:29pm (EST)

Richmond Co. Considers Cutting School Tax Exemption for Seniors
By Noel Brown
Updated: 4 years ago

AUGUSTA, Ga.  —  
Officials at the Richmond County Board of Education are considering saving money by denying a school tax exemption to senior citizens 65 and older. (Image courtesy of Richmond County Board of Education)
Officials at the Richmond County Board of Education are considering saving money by denying a school tax exemption to senior citizens 65 and older. (Image courtesy of Richmond County Board of Education)
In Richmond County seniors 65 and older can apply for an exemption on local school taxes on their homes. But that may be coming to an end. Officials say those exemptions cost the county $7 million. Lou Svehla is a spokesperson for Richmond County Schools, and he says that money could be used to prevent furloughs. Meanwhile the district, Svehla adds, is looking for a way to end the exemption without burdening seniors.

"One thing they’ve talked out is grandfathering in those who are already receiving the exemption as well as maybe different ways to base it. Whether it’s based on home value, income level or a combination of both."

That means seniors who have already been approved may be able to keep their tax breaks. But those who will be turning 65 in the near future could be out of luck.