The Mableton City Council announced in a press release that it will consider a proposal at its Monday, Nov. 9 work session and its Wednesday Nov. 11 regular meeting that would allow property owners facing financial hardship to seek flexible payment plans and waivers of late-payment penalties on public safety district tax bills.
The proposal would give priority to homeowners 65 and older who are experiencing financial hardship and to taxpayers whose households rely primarily on fixed income, such as Social Security, pensions or veterans’ benefits. The city said the program would offer help with applications and expedited reviews.
Property owners of any age who owe the Public Safety Special Service District tax could qualify if they document a financial hardship. Examples include job loss, a substantial drop in household income, serious illness, disability, the death of a household member who contributed income or unexpected disaster expenses.
“Our goal is to ensure public safety funding remains dependable while treating our residents with fairness and compassion,” said Mableton Mayor Michael Owens. “For seniors on fixed incomes or neighbors dealing with sudden medical crises or job losses, this program offers a clear path forward without imposing punitive roadblocks.”
Applicants would still owe the full tax and any interest on late payments. The city said it would review penalty waiver requests case by case under a reasonable cause standard. Payment plans would reflect what applicants can afford, with no across-the-board minimum down payment.
The council will discuss the proposal at its 5:15 p.m. work session and its 6:30 p.m. regular meeting, both at the Riverside Epicenter. The regular meeting was moved from Wednesday to Monday because of Veterans Day. Agendas and livestream information are available on the city’s website.
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