Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Senior Tax Exemption topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Statham council opens public hearing on proposed senior tax exemption; staff cites about $35,000 revenue impact
Summary
At a Nov. 20 special called meeting, the Statham City Council opened a public hearing on a proposed senior property tax exemption. City Accountant Rachel Bembry estimated the exemption would reduce annual city revenue by about $35,000; a follow-up hearing is scheduled for Dec. 2, 2025.
Statham, Ga. — The Statham City Council opened a public hearing Nov. 20 on a proposed property tax exemption for senior homeowners that city staff estimate would reduce annual tax revenue by about $35,000, City Accountant Rachel Bembry said.
Councilmember Patterson moved to open the hearing at 10:01 a.m.; Councilmember Burnette seconded and the motion passed on a 4-0 vote with Councilmembers Terilli, Bogenrieder, Patterson and Burnette voting yes and Councilmember Penn absent. Mayor Krause convened the special called meeting at the Statham Community Center.
Rachel Bembry, city accountant, presented the exemption proposal and the estimated fiscal impact. Bembry said the $35,000 estimate covers both proposed senior exemptions. "The revenue not collected should not have a significant impact on the city or on other citizens," she said.
Councilmember Patterson asked whether residents seeking the exemption would need to apply in person; Bembry confirmed applications would be submitted at Statham City Hall. Resident Anne Rountree asked whether the city had a plan to replace the revenue the exemption would forgo; Bembry said the city continually seeks additional revenue streams and does not expect a significant budgetary effect. Resident Peter Brown asked for an explanation comparing his 2023 tax bill to his current bill; Bembry offered to review his bill after the meeting.
Councilmember Bogenrieder asked explicitly whether the $35,000 figure included both proposed exemptions; Bembry confirmed that it did. Councilmember Terilli asked whether the city planned to add more exemptions in the future; Bembry said changes could be made as needed. Councilmember Burnette reminded attendees that the mayor, administration and council "work to give back to the citizens of Statham as often as possible and wherever possible."
Councilmember Patterson moved to close the public hearing at 10:15 a.m.; Councilmember Burnette seconded and the motion passed 4-0. Burnette announced a second public hearing on the proposed senior tax exemption to be held Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. The special called meeting was adjourned at 10:17 a.m. following a separate motion to adjourn that passed 4-0.
