The proposal to allow seniors to pay down property taxes through community service is the first solo policy recommendation from Councilwoman Teri Castillo .
“What we’ve been hearing from residents throughout San Antonio, seniors in particular, is that they’re struggling to keep up with their property taxes, despite the City of San Antonio having a cap for the senior exemption,” Councilwoman Teri Castillo said in an interview Wednesday. The program is the first solo policy recommendation for Castillo, a housing organizer elected to the Council in 2021.
“Community engagement and housing are two of the issues that are most important to older adults here in San Antonio,” said Ismael Herrera Associate State Director, Outreach and Advocacy at American Association of Retired People, which helped San Antonio craft its“There’s strong evidence that social isolation can increase health risks for older adults, and volunteering can really help folks connect with other people in their community,” Herrera said.
Elliott plans to coordinate with the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector on how the credits would be applied to a bill before bringing a formal proposal back to City Council.