Committee backs recommendation to remove $50,000 cap on elderly/disabled real‑estate tax relief

The finance committee recommended that the full Lynchburg City Council remove a fixed $50,000 ceiling on household income eligibility for the city’s real‑estate tax relief program for elderly and disabled homeowners and instead allow the limit to rise automatically with annual Social Security cost‑of‑living adjustments.

Mitch Knuckles, commissioner of the revenue, told the committee the cap was set as a temporary measure and that continuing to hold the ceiling could cause residents to lose benefits from one year to the next as Social Security increases. “Back in 2021 … we capped it at $50,000 just to see how the program worked,” Knuckles said, adding that if allowed to increase with Social Security this year the limit would move to about $50,200. He said roughly 650–700 people currently receive the relief.

Committee members voiced broad support for removing the artificial cap. One member moved the committee recommend approval; another seconded. After a voice vote, the committee approved forwarding the change to city council for a final decision at its June 9 meeting. Staff said the measure does not require a public hearing.

Why it matters: Staff said removing the ceiling would reduce the risk that seniors who qualify one year would be excluded the next because of modest Social Security adjustments. The program is intended to help low‑income elderly and disabled property owners remain in their homes by reducing real‑estate tax burdens.

What’s next: The committee’s recommendation will be placed on the city council agenda for a June 9 vote; no public hearing is required.