Multiple Hamilton County commissioners Wednesday said they support starting a tax freeze program for some residents 65 and older, but the county mayor said a new program might offer few benefits, given existing tax relief options.
Commissioner David Sharpe, D-Red Bank, said during a commission meeting that he hopes to work with the county’s legal office on the creation of a new tax freeze program.
“We’ve experienced a historic jump in property values,” Sharpe said. “This increase raised concern with many seniors across District 6 that I’ve spoken with at neighborhood association meetings across the district, and some of the highest increases in District 6 — over 160%. And I’m sure that there are similar circumstances across the county, all of our districts.
“The city of Chattanooga, they appear to be stepping up for seniors, and I believe that Hamilton County should, too,” Sharpe said.
Chattanooga participates in a tax freeze program for older adults, and one of its nine City Council members recently said he aims to expand eligibility for that program. Hamilton County offers a 100% match for the state’s tax relief program, which reimburses older adults in part or in full for their property tax bill. Applicants to the state program this year can have made no more than $37,530 in 2024. The threshold is $175,000 for disabled veterans and their spouses.