The Woodlands Township will study several levels of property tax exemptions for homestead, seniors and the disabled before making a decision in April or May.

The township board revisited the issue Wednesday after postponing a decision in 2009, citing the newness of the township and its finances.

The board will wait to make a decision until tspring in order to get the latest property values from the Montgomery County Appraisal District as well as the fiscal impact on the township’s 2011 budget.

“We do not have enough information to make an exact cost estimate,” said Don Norrell, township president and general manager.

The township will explore a homestead exemption of $10,000 or $15,000 for property owners in The Woodlands as well as property tax exemptions ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for resident over 65 and those with disabilities.

Before the board voted, they heard from several residents on both sides of an exemption for seniors. While some senior asked for exemptions to help older residents on fixed income, others said it puts undue burden on families who are struggling in The Woodlands.

“I hope you all will take into consideration the needs of all retirees in The Woodlands especially those on fixed incomes,” said Jeff Gannon.

With two children in the community younger than 40 years old, one of them a disabled veteran, Mike Bass urged the board to look more broadly.

“Look at this more broadly in terms of your strategy,” Bass said . “Don’t focus on over 65, look at everybody. I see burdens on my family.”

Last year, Paul Martin of Windsor Hills collect a petition with 1,129 signatures from through The Woodlands asking for senior and disabled property tax exemptions.

Most government agencies in the county, with the exception of the municipal utility districts, offer a break to senior in the community ranging from $25,000 to $75,000.

The tax rate in The Woodlands is at 32.8 cents per $100,000 assessed value.

In 2009, a senior and disabled exemption could have affected 4,300 properties in The Woodlands, which would have resulted in the loss of $211,000 in revenue on a $15,000 exemption. That amount equates to about two-tenths of a cent of property tax that would be shifted to other taxpayers, Norrell said,

Board Member Claude Hunter said the shift for senior exemptions would be to business and families. In addition, seniors who rent in the community would also face increased taxes.
“What is the true need and where does it exist?” asked Hunter.

Addressing criticism of wealthy seniors who may get a tax break, Board Member Peggy Hausman said she believe there are more seniors on fixed incomes in the community than those living is luxury homes.

The issue will be addressed at the April or May meeting, based on an evaluation of the appraisal value by County Tax Assessor/Collector J.R. Moore.

Proposed Property Tax Exemptions in The Woodlands

The Woodlands Township is studying several options to offer property tax exemptions in The Woodlands.

Following are the types of exemptions and amounts that may be considered at a board meeting in April or May.
Homestead exemption for property owners $10,000 and $15,000
Property owners over 65 or the disabled, $10,000, $15,000, $25,000 or $50,000
Source: The Woodlands Township