Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tax Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Collector outlines online renewals and June 30 cutoff for senior tax freeze sign‑ups
Summary
Cole County collector reported online renewals and in‑person assistance beginning May 6, plans to hire temporary help and cautioned that 2027 reassessment may lead to higher taxable values; June 30 is currently the cutoff for 2026 sign‑ups.
The county collector provided an update on the senior tax freeze program. Staff said online renewals and new applications are being accepted now, in‑person assistance will begin May 6 with computers and temporary staff on hand, and the office plans to hire three high‑school students for seasonal support.
The collector warned that 2027 is a reassessment year and that reassessment could produce higher taxable values; those who sign up this year should be aware the freeze applies to assessed values at the year of enrollment. Staff discussed challenges in automating renewals, tracking ownership changes and verifying deaths, noting that some counties obtain monthly death records from state agencies to reduce renewal requirements.
The collector said the office received several online new applications and referred to last year’s total of about 5,169 senior freezes processed. Commissioners asked about displaying freeze information on tax bills; staff said the 2025 bills already show the frozen versus unfrozen amounts.
