Joanne Clark urges Portsmouth council to raise citizens relief tax income cap

Portsmouth City Council's recent meeting highlighted a pressing issue: the housing crisis facing seniors in the community. During the public comment session, resident Joanne Clark passionately addressed the council, emphasizing the struggles of seniors living on fixed incomes. She pointed out that rising property assessments and taxes are making it increasingly difficult for them to manage their finances.

Clark urged the council to reconsider the income cap for the city's citizen relief tax program, which currently stands at $50,000 for the entire household. She noted that neighboring Chesapeake has a higher threshold of $70,000, suggesting that Portsmouth could benefit from a similar adjustment to better support its senior residents.

The discussion underscores the urgent need for local government to address the financial challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly as housing costs continue to rise. As the council considers Clark's proposal, the potential for policy changes could significantly impact the quality of life for many seniors in Portsmouth.