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Coldwater updates poverty-exemption policy to add 75% exemption and clarify asset/income tests
Summary
Council adopted amendments to the poverty-exemption application (Policy 21-01) to clarify asset tests, tie income guidelines to federal standards, add a 75% exemption option specified by statute, and include a graduated reduction calculation for partial exemptions.
The Coldwater City Council on Jan. 26 approved amendments to the city’s poverty-exemption policy to clarify eligibility and align calculations with statutory requirements.
City Assessor Samantha Albright summarized the changes, noting the policy clarifies which assets are included in the asset test, sets income guidelines to follow federal standards on an annual basis, and adds a reduction calculation so applicants falling between thresholds can qualify for graduated exemptions (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%). Albright said the statute specifies a 75% option, which the prior form omitted; the revised policy adds that option and expands documentation requirements to help board members verify applications.
The council adopted Resolution 26-09 approving the amended policy (Policy 21-01) by motion with recorded assent. Albright said the city typically receives up to five poverty-exemption applications in a year but that number could rise under broader awareness of clarified rules.
