A resolution supporting Senate Bill 666 / House Bill 457, currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly, which would increase the maximum annual income for participation in the tax relief program for the elderly to $13,095, and requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and adopt legislation that would permit the Metropolitan Government to increase the amount of local tax payments made in the tax relief program for the elderly.

WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated §5-9-112 allows county legislative bodies to appropriate funds for the purpose of providing assistance to low-income elderly residents; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated §67-5-702 provides for property-tax assistance for elderly low-income homeowners; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated §67-5-702 further provides that in order to participate in the property tax relief program, the taxpayer's annual income shall not exceed $10,500 for tax year 1996, adjusted annually to reflect the cost of living increase for social security recipients; and

WHEREAS, Senate Bill 666 / House Bill 457, currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly, would increase the ceiling of the taxpayer's annual income for participation in the property tax relief program to $13,095.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan County Council annually adopts a tax relief program for the elderly provided by state law and funds the permitted share of tax payments made to assist the elderly; and

WHEREAS, the state property tax relief statute for the elderly places limits on the amount of assistance that can be provided to elderly homeowners; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that legislation be enacted that would permit local governments, should they so desire, to pay a greater share of real property tax under this program providing tax relief for the elderly, and that would increase the maximum income level for participation in the program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as supporting Senate Bill 666 / House Bill 457, currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly, which would increase the maximum annual income for participation in the tax relief program for the elderly to $13,095, and requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and adopt legislation that would permit the Metropolitan Government to increase the amount of local tax payments made in the tax relief program for the elderly.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution by United States mail, electronic mail, or interdepartmental mail to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Rip Ryman, Jason Hart