Referendum could enable cities to freeze property tax values for seniors

Memphis Business Journal
April 13, 2006

Cities in Tennessee would have the authority to freeze property tax values for qualifying senior citizens if state voters approve a referendum in November.

The Tennessee General Assembly passed a resolution for a constitutional amendment that would enable municipalities to provide seniors on fixed incomes the benefit. Amending the constitution required that the resolution pass in two consecutive general assemblies, and the second approval came this week. The measure passed unanimously in the state Senate and by a 95-1 vote in the House.

"It has been a long road," said the resolution's sponsor, Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, in a statement. "I am grateful to the General Assembly for recognizing the importance of helping our seniors on fixed incomes."

If the referendum is approved by voters in the Nov. 7 election, cities could opt to freeze the property tax rate for seniors, but cities will have the choice whether to participate.

"Seniors will still have to pay their property taxes, just not the increases," Norris said. "This measure freezes the current level and helps offset dramatic increases in future ownership costs."

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Senator Mark Norris
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