Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 636
McKinney, TX  75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Leigh Hornsby
Public Information Officer
972-548-4772
publicrelations@co.collin.tx.us

October 31, 2003

Collin County seniors to receive opportunity for property tax relief

(McKinney, TX) – Senior homeowners in Collin County will get some property tax relief in the near future. The Commissioners Court today voted unanimously to freeze the taxes on any increases in the value of existing homes for those age 65 and older.

“Taxes will remain at the same level as long as the seniors remain in that house,” explains Collin County Tax Assessor Ken Maun. However, the freeze does not cover any home expansions or additional improvements.

The freeze would apply to 2004 property values, so seniors will get the tax savings in 2005. “This is our greatest generation,” explains Collin County Commissioner Joe Jaynes. “If it wasn’t for their sacrifices, many of us would not be here today. Our commercial development will more than make-up for this.”

For 20 years, independent school districts have been allowed to provide the freeze. Recently, the state legislature gave voters the opportunity to expand the tax relief program to counties, cities and colleges. The passage of Proposition 13 in the September Constitutional Amendment Election gave local governments the ability to adopt the freeze. “The measure was approved by approximately 80% of voters,” says Maun. “This is a prime indication as to how much our voters want a service like this.”

“Many of our senior citizens are being priced out of this area by increasing values, which cause much higher taxes,” says Collin County Commissioner Phyllis Cole. “In order to keep these parents and grandparents near their families, we should do our small part by freezing their county taxes at age 65.”

All members of the Commissioners Court are excited about providing this service to the senior citizens of Collin County.

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