The City of Hornell is expanding its property tax exemption program for residents who are 65 or older.
The expansion, according to city officials, is in response to rising costs impacting households across the community.
The updated program moves from a flat income cap to a graduated sliding scale designed to help more seniors remain financially secure and stay in their homes, the city said in an April 14 news release.
“This tiered approach ensures that while the greatest assistance is directed to those with the most limited financial resources, relief is now available to a much broader group of seniors who are also feeling the effects of a higher cost of living,” Mayor John Buckley said in the release.
“Previously, the program was structured as an all-or-nothing qualification. This graduated system expands eligibility and provides a proportional reduction rather than a simple cutoff.”
How the expanded senior property tax exemption works
Under the new structure, the maximum household income eligibility for the senior tax exemption increases from $18,000 to $25,000.
The exemption is scaled based on annual income.
Residents earning $18,000 or less will receive a 50% exemption. The reduction then adjusts in 5% increments for every $1,000 of additional income, providing a 45% exemption for those earning up to $19,000, 40% for those earning up to $20,000, and continuing down to a 15% exemption for residents earning up to $25,000 annually.
“This is the first step in protecting our most vulnerable residents who rely on a fixed income,” Buckley said. “In recent years, increases in essential living costs, including housing, utilities, food, and healthcare, have placed significant strain on our seniors. This program offers meaningful relief and supports our long-time residents in aging in place with greater stability.”
According to Chamberlain Michele Smith, the expansion is fiscally sound and will not have a significant impact on the city’s property tax revenue.
“It allows us to provide assistance where it is most needed while maintaining the city’s financial health,” Smith added.
The Hornell Common Council approved a $19.8 million 2026-27 budget in March that sets the tax rate at $11.72 per $1,000 of assessed value.
How to qualify for Hornell sliding scale property tax exemption
To qualify for the sliding scale exemption, residents must be at least 65 years of age, own and occupy their residence, and have lived in the home for at least one year prior to applying.
For more information, residents may contact the Assessor’s Office at City Hall at 607-324-7421.
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Hornell expands senior property tax exemption. Here’s who qualifies
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
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