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Vice chairman proposes graduated senior homestead exemption to refer to state delegation
Summary
Vice chairman Russell Bridal proposed a graduated homestead exemption that increases by age (starting at $100,000 at 60 and reaching $500,000 by 75) and suggested modeling county fiscal impacts and seeking state delegation support.
Vice Chairman Russell Bridal introduced a proposal for a graduated homestead exemption for seniors, saying the plan would increase exemptions as homeowners age and could result in a full exemption for qualifying homeowners by age 75 for homes valued below a set threshold. Bridal said his brief plan would start at age 60 (a $100,000 exemption versus the current $50,000), rise to $200,000 at 65, $300,000 at 67, $400,000 at 70 and reach $500,000 at 75.
Bridal acknowledged fiscal and implementation challenges, suggested a multi‑year phase‑in and recommended staff model the revenue impacts for Kershaw County and consult with the county's legislative delegation about state‑level adjustments. Council members asked for data and illustrative scenarios; Councilman Tucker asked staff to provide numbers and estimates of how many homeowners would be affected and the revenue loss to the county. Bridal and other members signaled willingness to form a committee or task staff to produce a mock fiscal analysis before advancing a formal referral to state lawmakers.
No vote was taken. Council recorded the item as a discussion and requested that staff provide modeled numbers, stakeholder analysis and potential guardrails (length of residency, ownership tenure) for future consideration.
