A revised senior property tax credit passed the Prince George’s County Council with an 8-0 vote and two abstentions on Nov. 12.
To qualify for the tax credit, residents must be 65 or older, have lived in their home for 25 years or more, and have a home appraisal of $500,000 or less.
The bill’s main sponsor was County Councilmember Ed Burroughs III (D- District 8), who noted that the goal of the legislation is to help keep seniors in Prince George’s.
He shared a story about a 99-year-old resident in his district, who had spent decades in the school system, and yet was unsure if she would be able to stay in her longtime home.
“We know that seniors need property tax relief today,” said Councilmember Burroughs. “It’s our responsibility to support senior citizens who have worked so hard to build this county, and I know this bill will provide some much-needed relief.”
It is estimated that this tax credit could cost between $59 million to $98 million over the next five years, while helping some seniors save a few hundred dollars per year on their property taxes.
County Councilmember Sydney Harrison (D- District 9) raised concerns on how this could impact the bond rating and where the funds would come from while both the County and state face serious budgetary shortfalls that increase significantly in coming years.
“We’re going to have to find money somewhere else to provide this and cut other agencies,” said Councilmember Harrison. “How that shows up in public safety, how that shows up in our 27 agencies to make up that money — that’s a real deal.”
It is currently unclear if County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) will sign the bill into law, veto the bill, or allow it to become law without her signature.
“We’ve been trying to work on this bill because, two years ago, it perhaps didn’t hit the mark that we all were looking to hit,” said John Erzen, the deputy chief of staff for county executive, who is a U.S. senator-elect. “We may be coming right back after this bill with another bill when you have more seniors come and say, ‘I thought this was going to help me, and this one didn’t end up helping me.’”
Milly Hall, president of Concerned Citizens of Prince George’s County District 4 & Surrounding Areas, called the bill “discriminatory” and wished the tax caps didn’t have a limit.
“This bill is unfair to those of us who own homes of a higher value. I think this is another reason to leave the county and take your money where you are considered,” said Hall, who originally supported the legislation and came to testify in late May when the bill was before the council.“That 20% should be given without the consideration of property value; it simply is capped too low given property values in our county.”
The County has a $158 million deficit and counting and this irresponsible Council passes a bill that will results in $13 million less in revenues, an estimated $98 million in cost and no new revenue stream. Deficit spending is what this amounts to. Alsobrooks must veto this.
My mom is 94 years old and does not make a whole lot. She has dementia and I’ve tried to get her taxes lowered because she doesn’t do parks, etc. It would be a big help to get the extra help. I’m her POA. The cost of medical supplies is very costly. At her age and medical condition, she shouldn’t have to pay this much and try to keep all her bills paid monthly.
I believe I’m paying too much in taxes as a resident over 30 years with less service and more taxes, that isn’t unfair, I’ m 72 years old three children that products of the PG School system, Low end stores to shop, trash collection
down from twice a week to once a week, crime is horrific from burglaries, thief’s and especially speeders red runners off of WOODYARD ROAD, CLINTON