HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7499 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7499
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,ogFOrrra To the Mayor and Members of the City Council November 6, 1990
X Subject: PROPOSED SENIOR CITIZEN EXEMPTION FROM PAVING ASSESSMENTS
At its regular meeting on October 24, 1990, the City Plan Commission unanimously
approved the proposed amendments to the Assessment Paving Policy relating to
homesteaded property, vacant lots, and places of worship. The Commission
acknowledged that the City's paving program is being delayed pending adoption of
these policy changes and did not wish to take any action that would prolong the
delay. However, following a related discussion, the Commission also approved a
separate motion to recommend that the City Council amend the Assessment Paving
Policy to exempt from paving assessments residential property owned by citizens
65 years of age and older.
Commission members recognized the fact that not all persons in this age group
are unable to pay assessments and that many do in fact pay them. The Commission
also discussed the impact the proposed exemption would have in loss of revenue
thereby increasing the City-at-Large share of the cost of paving projects.
The policy currently provides that residences in low- and moderate-income CDBG
target areas are not assessed for street paving if CDBG are paying a portion of
the cost. It also provides that in hardship cases, owners of homestead
0* properties can receive adjustments to the payment plan to meet their budget. In
addition, the policy provides that collection efforts for paving assessments
against property owners who have been granted both the "Residential Homestead"
tax exemption and the additional exemption for persons 65 years of age or older
will be limited to an annual letter informing the property owner that the
obligation exists. No legal action is taken to collect the assessment until the
ownership of the property changes at which time collection is made.
It is staff's opinion that the current policy provides adequate means for
alleviating any financial hardships which paving assessments may create for
those property owners sixty-five years of age or older. A revision to the
policy exempting senior citizens from assessments does in fact decrease the
funds available for additional improvements.
It is staff's recommendation that the City Council not approve further
amendments to the policy at this time.
Should the City Council desire additional information, the staff is prepared to
respond.
gag
DAVID IVORY
CITY MANAGER
JISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS