Dickinson County considers change allowing tax-exempt claimants on payment plans

A public hearing on an amended Dickinson County ordinance that governs real estate tax exemptions for elderly and permanently disabled residents drew public comment and later action by the Board of Supervisors. County staff said the changes reflect recent state legislation and clarify several procedural items, including that a person claiming the exemption must either be current on taxes, enter into a payment agreement with the treasurer (up to 72 months), or have an offer in compromise accepted by the treasurer. The proposed revision also clarifies that the commissioner of the revenue may require applicants to answer questions under oath and that notice of the program must be posted on the Dickinson County official website and otherwise publicized by the treasurer and commissioner of the revenue. During the hearing a resident who identified herself from the public called attention to the payment-plan language and said, "But, you know, he does have a payment plan but if you don't wanna follow that payment plan, then, you can't have the tax credit". Several speakers from the public and supervisors discussed how the new state code allows localities to require payment plans and sets a 72-month limit on those plans. After discussion during the regular meeting, Supervisor Rhonda Willis proposed a substitute motion to remove the proposed paragraph that would require claimants either to be current on taxes or on an approved payment plan. The substitute motion passed on a board vote (four in favor, one opposed). With that change, the board approved the amended ordinance for adoption and scheduled required follow-up steps. The board and staff noted the changes trace to recent state action (referenced in discussion as HB 2029) and said the county's final ordinance text will reflect the board's substitute motion. The commissioner of the revenue and treasurer will implement any new notice or application procedures described in the ordinance. Looking ahead, county staff said the ordinance language will be updated to reflect the board's direction and that any procedural forms used by the commissioner of the revenue (for attestations or inquiries) will be revised to match the new ordinance language.