During a recent city council meeting, significant discussions centered around the extension of the More Center lease and the introduction of a new senior tax stabilization program for fiscal year 2025.

The council unanimously ratified the extension of the More Center lease, which is set to run until December 31, 2024. City Manager Charlie Pierce had previously signed the contract, prompting the council to formalize the agreement to ensure continued community use of the center, which has become a hub for various organizations and senior activities.

In a separate agenda item, City Assessor Larry Gardner proposed a new initiative aimed at assisting seniors facing rising property taxes. The proposed \"tax club\" would allow seniors to pay their property taxes in monthly installments, providing a more manageable approach to tax payments. Gardner highlighted the challenges faced by seniors who previously benefited from a tax stabilization program that froze their tax bills. Due to state funding issues, the program was repealed, leaving many seniors vulnerable to significant tax increases.

Gardner's proposal includes waiving interest on tax payments for seniors enrolled in the stabilization program for nearly the entire fiscal year, acknowledging that many could face tax increases of 30% or more. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on seniors who had anticipated stable tax bills based on previous years.

The council's discussions reflect a commitment to supporting the senior community amid rising costs, with both the lease extension and the proposed tax club representing proactive measures to enhance local services and financial stability for vulnerable residents.