Woodstock council asks state delegation to clear homestead exemption for surviving spouses

The Woodstock City Council on March 10 approved a resolution asking the local legislative delegation to pursue clarifying legislation so surviving spouses are not forced to meet a new five-year residency requirement to retain homestead tax relief when the deceased spouse’s name alone was on the homestead exemption.

The resolution, introduced by Councilmember Moon, responds to a post-election question about a voter-approved change that added a five-year residency requirement before a person becomes eligible for the exemption. Staff said residents who were on the rolls as of Dec. 30 were grandfathered, but questions arose about surviving spouses who were not named on an earlier homestead filing.

The proposed local bill would make clear that a surviving spouse who inherits the property would not be held to the new five-year residency requirement. Staff said a similar, separate referendum will be needed for the county school system’s portion of the exemption.

Mayor Michael Caldwell thanked Representative Thomas for his assistance and said, “We should never have a grieving widow in Woodstock find out that her taxes just showed back up just because her husband died,” when urging approval of the resolution.

Council voted 5-0 (one absence) to request the local delegation seek enabling legislation; the city will notify the public of the referendum date after the governor signs the enabling bill.

Votes and next steps: Motion to approve the resolution carried 5-0 with Councilman Usher absent. Staff said an enabling bill from the local delegation must be signed by the governor before the city may set the referendum date; a separate referendum will be required for the county school system portion.