The Juneau Assembly is considering possible changes to its tax exemption rules to help ease the city’s budget concerns.
A review committee is looking at six possible changes, including to a program that allows for anyone 65 years or older to apply for an exemption from city sales taxes in Juneau businesses.
City finance director Bob Bartholomew says the city doesn’t know how many exemption cards are in circulation because they never expire once issued. He says the program has grown steadily.
The Juneau Empire reports the city lost out on $1.3 million in sales tax due to the program in 2006. That more than doubled to $2.8 million in 2013.
The Juneau Commission on Aging has been researching the exemption. It is set to make a recommendation to the Assembly.
Petersburg is putting senior-citizen exemption changes before its voters in Tuesday’s municipal election.
