Ahmad Safi

Jun. 30, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Seniors have supported new taxes for schoolchildren and police officers over the years, and now it is their turn to get help, according to a group advocating for a new property tax in the Aug. 5 election.

The Buchanan County Advocates for Adults 60+ is asking voters to increase property taxes in the county to fund unmet needs to low-income seniors who aren't being covered by the state and federal governments. The group met with the editorial board of the News-Press on Wednesday.

"In our county, in our country, our population over 60 is growing extremely rapidly," said Martha Wakely, group co-chair. "Our goal is to try to keep people at home as long as they can be there."

The new tax levy would increase property taxes in Buchanan County by an extra 10 cents on every $100 in assessed value of real estate.

If approved by voters this August, an owner of a $50,000 home in the county would pay an extra $9.50 per year; a $100,000 home, an extra $19; and a $200,000 home, an extra $38.

The tax is permanent and is estimated to generate $1.1 million annually, beginning in 2009.

According to a survey mailed by the group last fall to residents older than 60 in Buchanan County, about 100 respondents wrote that their five greatest needs are: help with light housekeeping, access to nutritional meals, someone to call in an emergency, dependable transportation and venues to socialize. To stay independent, they said, transportation and home maintenance were their greatest need.

The group said if the new tax levy is approved, a seven-member board would distribute the tax revenue to local social service agencies to meet those needs and keep local seniors independent. The board would be appointed by the Buchanan County Commission.

Eligibility would depend on need, much like free-or-reduced-price lunch for schoolchildren. Ms. Wakely said an example could be a low-income, elderly woman suffering from emphysema who needs a home cleaning service to change the bedsheets on her mattress.

"Not everyone is fortunate enough to have family or someone they can trust to do a simple thing like that," she said.

A similar senior citizen tax levy has been approved by voters in 42 counties in Missouri.

The Buchanan County Advocates said they have raised $10,000 to $15,000 in funds to advertise the senior tax in the coming months. The seed money was provided by Heartland Health.

Ahmad Safi can be reached at ahmadsafi@npgco.com.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0283-26327575