Conroe officials pass a historic property tax homestead exemption as well as over 65 exemption and disabled exemption

CONROE, TX -- This morning, Conroe City Council voted and approved an increase on the current homestead exemption from 2.5% to 20%. This is almost ten times any exemption the City has provided in its history and the maximum allowed by law. This means that your appraised value would be reduced by 20% and then taxed by the City of Conroe at that lower value.

Considering the rising values, especially in residential properties, the increased homestead exemption should certainly be a significant benefit to homeowners. City of Conroe is leading the efforts to provide our citizens some relief.

Mayor Pro Tem Raymond McDonald said, 'Our citizens need immediate and drastic relief considering these substantial increases in appraised values and it is our job as their elected leaders to do whatever we can to provide them with that relief.' McDonald worked very closely with Tax Accessor-Collector Tammy McCrae on the City's effort to pass the maximum homestead exemption. Tammy McRae said, 'I encourage all jurisdictions to follow the lead of Conroe officials and consider granting the maximum homestead exemption.'

During the Wednesday afternoon Council Workshop, Councilwoman Marsha Porter recommended to also increase the over 65 exemption as well as the disabled exemption. Currently, the City of Conroe over 65 exemption amount was at 515,000 and disabled exemption amount $7,5000. Councilwoman Porter proposed that these exemptions be increased to $40,000.

Along with the homestead exemption increase, City Council also voted today in favor of increasing the over 65 exemption amount and disabled exemption amount to 540,000.

Mayor Jody Czajkoski said, 'These new exemptions are not only allowing tax relief for our seniors and disabled but also for every hard-working homeowner in our community. It's good for our citizens, it is right for Conroe and it is the right thing to do.'

For more information on property tax issues visit the Montgomery Central Appraisal District at www.mcad-tx.org or call 936- 539 7897.