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Commission approves 50% property tax abatements for two residents citing extenuating circumstances
Summary
The commission approved 50% county-funded property tax abatements for Shannon Amundson and 89-year-old Luana Johnston after staff reported retroactive Social Security payments and extraordinary medical/repair withdrawals pushed both residents over the low-income threshold; county costs were estimated at about $700 and $1,100 respectively.
The Box Elder County Commission voted to grant two county-funded, 50% property tax abatements after staff presented hardship details for each homeowner.
Charlene (auditor/staff) said Shannon Amundson received a retroactive Social Security payment this year and later a $30,000 retirement billing that left her over the program income threshold despite receiving no net benefit; staff estimated the county portion of relief at roughly $700. Amundson told commissioners she had not received the full funds and apologized for being emotional while explaining her disability and bills.
In a second case, staff described 89-year-old Luana Johnston, whose family had withdrawn extra retirement funds to install a lift and cover prior long-term care expenses; her daughter Corinne Johnston Tucker said those withdrawals pushed Luana over the abatement qualification limit. Charlene said the county portion would be about $1,100 for parcel 03-083-0063 (approx.). Commissioner Vincent moved to approve a 50% reduction for each case; both motions were seconded and carried unanimously.
Commissioners and staff noted the county sometimes receives state reimbursement for eligible cases but that eligibility can be lost when applicants exceed income limits due to retroactive payments or one-time withdrawals. No changes to abatement policy were adopted at the meeting.
