Senior tax exemption to cost $1m, Decatur schools officials say

City Schools of Decatur officials say a bill providing tax exemptions to senior residents will slow growth in the city and the school district.

That’s just what they wanted from SB 343.

Rresidents 65 and over would be exempt from paying the school ad valorem tax on their homes. Seniors should save an estimated $993 per $100,000 house.

“The school board has been and remains committed to providing tax relief for all seniors,” City Schools of Decatur said in a statement. “The purpose of the senior exemption is two-fold. The primary purpose is to help seniors retire in place, at home in Decatur. A secondary purpose is to slow growth in our schools. Experience has shown that when seniors move out, families move in.”

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