Mableton extends new police tax but adds a catch

Well, seniors and people going through financial hardship will get special treatment in Mableton. It centers around the city's new tax to pay for public safety. Fox 5's Denise Dillon is live in Mableton, and Denise, city leaders say this will provide some relief to many residents. Yeah, that's what they say. Now, it is not a reduction in how much they'll have to pay, but they will have more time to pay it. City leaders say they're doing all they can to help under the law. This is what responsible government looks like. Mableton city leaders approved a program to give some relief to seniors and others struggling financially when it comes to paying a new tax to fund public safety. When city leaders decided Mableton would have its own police force, they knew it would cost money. So they created a public safety special service district tax. It's a property assessment of 4.5 mils, which breaks down to about $630 for a $350,000 home. It's just, you know, a lot of money you'd have to be paying when you're retired. With a December 4th due date for the tax coming up, city leaders adopted a hardship relief program. Residents will still have to pay the full amount, but those who qualify will be able to use a payment plan stretched out through April 5th. Without late fees. However, they will have to pay interest. This is just an extension. This is not really relief. It's just giving them a little bit longer to pay the tax bill. The mayor admits it's not perfect, but it will help those who are struggling financially. There are a lot of people that wish we had no tax at all. I understand that. The reality is that we have to fund public safety. It's not a silver bullet, but it is a compassionate solution to get people through trying times. And Mayor Owen says under state law the city is not allowed to offer exemptions to seniors, but that is something they're working to change in the coming year. Reporting live in Mableton, Denise Dillon, Fox 5 News. A lot of people sure to be following this closely. Denise, thanks.