White County is preparing to begin a series of work sessions to explore options to relieve the impact of increased property taxes on elderly and fixed-income constituents.
Commissioner Derrick Hutchings said the county will explore a property tax freeze and other state tax relief programs. Hutchings said the county needs to take its time exploring options, as it will impact the amount of revenue that the county brings in.
“There are a lot of aspects of that that we need to dive into to make sure that we are properly budgeting for this, that we can afford to do it, and what that looks like,” Hutchings said.
Hutchings said the county will aim to set up the first work session in January or February. Hutchings said right now, state relief programs are more likely than a property tax freeze.
“I think that’s what we are really towards more so now,” Hutchings said. “The state already has a program in place that gives some relief based on age and income, and I think we are looking to possibly supplement that program. That’s what we are leaning towards.”
Should the county approve a property tax freeze or a relief program, Hutchings said they would not take effect until the next budget cycle. Hutchings said he is hopeful to have something ready before the next budget cycle.
“We need to have one ready before the next budget season for sure,” Hutchings said. “I’m gonna really focus on it. I’m gonna keep it in front of everybody until we do come up with a decision.”
Hutchings said the commission will include the county’s property assessor and trustee in the work sessions, as a decision will largely impact them.