Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on first five-year review of the Williamson County Tax Exemption Policy and consider increasing the Over 65 Exemption and the Disabled Person Exemption by $5,000 each, increasing the Over 65 Exemption from $25,000 to $30,000 and the Disabled Person Exemption from $15,000 to $20,000.

On December 18, 2018, the Commissioners Court agreed to begin a review of the County’s exemption policy every five years, beginning in 2020.  The last action taken by the Commissioners Court, in accordance with Section 11.13 of the Texas Property Tax Code, froze taxes for citizens over the age of 65 by enacting an “Over 65 Exemption”, also known as an Older American (OA) Exemption. The Over 65 Exemption freezes taxes for Older Americans and provides a $25,000 exemption.  The Commissioners Court also voted to enact a “Disabled Person Exemption” that also freezes taxes for disabled persons and provides a $15,000 exemption.  After review of these exemption amounts, it is proposed that the Commissioners Court increase the Over 65 Exemption from $25,000 to $30,000 and increase the Disabled Person Exemption from $15,000 to $20,000.