Macon-Bibb mayor pushes senior tax relief plan with new homestead exemptions

The plan would give seniors increasing exemptions at ages 65, 75 and 85 if approved by voters.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller is taking steps to provide tax relief for senior homeowners.

At a news conference on Thursday, Mayor Miller recommended that the commission pass a resolution asking local legislators to introduce a bill to create homestead exemptions for people 65 and older.

Under his proposal, seniors would get an extra $10,000 exemption at age 65. At 75, the exemption would go up to $15,000, and at 85, no more taxes. These exemptions would apply to the property taxes paid to both Macon-Bibb County Consolidated Government and the Bibb County School district if approved. 

“That means anybody in Macon-Bibb County that owns your home that is 85 years old or older will no longer pay property taxes, county or the school system, if this exemption goes forward,” Miller said.

Mayor Miller says the plan would help seniors stay in their homes rather than being forced to sell or downsize due to financial pressures.

“This stabilizes,” he said. “It can help maintain a consistent neighborhood demographic which often leads to steadier property values.”

The mayor also pointed out that the extra savings could allow seniors to make needed repairs or improvements to their homes.

“How many times have you heard from someone in your community that says, ‘I wish I had money to fix my roof? Or maybe the porch or maybe the stairs? Or maybe I could upgrade my HVAC?’ This money they could use instead of paying the county property taxes, instead of paying school taxes for children they don’t have in school or maybe don’t have grandchildren by that age.”

The Macon-Bibb Commission is scheduled to vote on the resolution Tuesday night. If passed, the measure would be sent to the local legislative delegation for consideration in the next session. The proposal would then appear on the November ballot, and if approved by voters, would head to the governor’s desk.