Cass County collector outlines enrollment changes and savings for senior property tax program

The Cass County collector of revenue told the board that open enrollment for the county's senior citizens property tax program will begin April 13 at 9 a.m. and run through July 3.

The update, delivered during the meeting, said the county recently changed enrollment procedures and that the tax credit was made continuous until canceled. The collector said the county sent letters and press notices to about 9,900 households enrolled in the program so those residents do not need to reapply or submit identification. "They don't have to come back in. They don't have to fill out a postcard. They don't need to produce ID," the collector said.

The collector also said the county posted updated rules and regulations on its website under the senior citizen announcements tab reflecting the enrollment change. On the program's recent financial impact, the collector reported: "Approximately $3,600,000 was saved by Cass County senior homesteaders." The collector characterized that as a substantial amount and urged eligible residents to sign up as they become eligible.

The collector described the enrollment window as shorter than in prior years because of the county's tax-sale calendar, which limits staff capacity in July and August. The meeting record contains an inconsistent reference to an April 14 start in one line of the report; the collector's principal statement and the posted rules identify April 13 at 9 a.m. as the opening time and list July 3 as the closing date.

The county's collector said the changes include revised rules and enrollment guidance available online; the collector said the updated materials explain the shortened enrollment window and how continuous enrollment will be handled (benefits remain in place unless a participant cancels or the county receives a death notice). The collector closed by thanking staff for their outreach work.