Manassas Park gives tax break to disabled
Manassas Park now has tax relief for its disabled citizens, thanks to a decision Tuesday night by the City Council.
The council voted unanimously to exempt permanently disabled citizens from having to pay all or part of their property taxes.
The council made two other changes to the city’s tax relief program, increasing the income limit from $30,000 to $40,000 and the financial worth limit from $75,000 to $80,000.
“These three changes allow additional residents to be included in the program for exemption, allowing tax relief for the people of the city,” said City Manager David W. Reynal.
The measures will take effect Jan. 1.
The new ordinance also allows for the income limits to rise along with overall income in the region.
Councilwoman-elect Noreen Slater described the changes as a “good deal.”
Until now, Manassas Park’s tax relief program has only served residents 65 or older.
Of the 87 families who applied for relief to the Commissioner of Revenue this year, 68 received full relief, 13 received partial relief and six were denied.
With property values skyrocketing in the region, Manassas City Council voted earlier this year to lower the real estate tax rate from $1.24 to $1.20 per $100 of assessed property value. Prince William County lowered its tax rate from $1.30 to $1.23.
Manassas Park was only able to lower its rate from $1.42 to $1.37.
“This was something we were talking about when we were doing the FY [fiscal year] 2003 budget. And this was something that needed to get done,” said Councilman Kevin Brendel.