09052006 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

------, Regular Meeting September 5, 2006 Page 8 that a residence homestead exemption for persons 65 and older may be I approved by the Council, or by voters in response to a petition signed by 20% or more of the number of persons who voted in the last City Election. He stated the minimum exemption amount is $3,000.00 and there is no maximu in the statue. The City Code currently has exemption for a person who is 65 or older is entitled to an exemption from City property taxation of $10,000.00 of the appraised value of the person's residence homestead. He stated eligibility for the exemption is determined as of January 1 of each year, and the exemption must be applied for and must be approved by the Chief Appraiser of the Appraisal District in accordance with State Law, exemption may not be compounded by joint or community owners of a single homestead, and an eligible disabled person who is 65 or older may use this exemption or may use a disabled person exemption, but may not use both exemptions. Mayor Narvaiz stated other communities are reviewing the residence homestead exemption for persons 65 and older. She inquired to whether the Council would be interested in reviewing what other municipalities' are doing regarding the over 65 Tax Exemption. Mr. Mihalkanin inquired to the revenue of one cent produces. Mr. O'Leary stated one cent is equal to $203,000.00. Mr. Mihalkanin stated with so much property being removed from the tax rolls, it puts more burdens on the rest of the tax payers. He stated if the exemption amounts are increase value future Council will have to find funds. Mr. Diaz stated he feels people 65 and older deserve a financial break. Mr. Jones stated he would I like to review other municipalities' exemptions. Mr. Thomaides stated he feels the Council should discuss this in the Budget and Visioning Workshop The Council agreed by consensus for Staff to collect additional information and explore other options. Mayor Narvaiz introduced a discussion regarding code enforcement update and direction to Staff. Ken Bell, City Fire Marshall, stated the Code Enforcement Department has been up and running for 11 months. He stated they have written 57 R1 violation citations, 25 violations for non compliances, and over 500 junk vehicle removal citations. He stated the goal is to educate, provide brochures and put information of the website. Mayor Narvaiz thanked the Code Enforcement Department for their hard work and for putting their lives on the line. Mr. Thomaides also thanked the Code Enforcement Department for their hard work. He inquired to whether there is a dedicated person in his department to answer the incoming calls. Mr. Bell stated 393-8425 is the phone number to reach a Code Enforcement Officer. Mayor Narvaiz introduced a discussion regarding City Council direction on future agenda items. 1) Mayor Narvaiz stated the Council has already requested an update on the drainage situation at Allenwood Homes. 2) Mayorl Narvaiz also stated the Council has requested the Parking Advisory Board to review the parking issues. 3) Mr. Guerrero stated he would like to have an update regarding the Winstead Consultant Firm. 4) Mr. Thomaides stated he feels the Council should consider moving the November 7, 2006, Council Meeting due to the General and Special Elections. 5) Mr. Jones stated he