Commission discusses adding $10,000 contingency for senior tax freeze program

Staff framed the senior tax freeze program budget as largely set up but with variable costs for software and mailing supplies. County staff noted that last year roughly 5,000 people were served and that early returns this year were in the 1,500 range; the largest uncertain expense remained online signing software and envelope purchases. "If we went to 2,000 it'd be $9,547.20," an office representative said when explaining envelope and DocuSign-related costs.

Commissioners discussed options including creating a separate budget line (already added after budget approval), moving contingency dollars from the general fund into the senior tax freeze line, and hiring temporary staff to manage intake. Several commissioners expressed concerns about paying the cost from individual elected officials’ budgets and agreed to transfer $10,000 into the senior tax fund as a contingency to avoid repeated midyear adjustments. No formal roll call on the transfer was recorded in the transcript; staff indicated they would process a contingency transfer if directed.