Low Income Tax Exemption: It’s early times for the conversation, but tax exemptions for properties catering to low-income tenants have made the docket for city officials just as a new Council has come to office.
At a work session on Dec. 15, the outgoing City Council agreed City staff should review a draft Municipal Code for the Multi-Unit Property Tax Exemption, or MUPTE. The idea was that staff input would assist the incoming council in evaluating the tax exemption programs and help move them forward.
So, last Thurs, Jan 19, the Corvallis City Council met for a work session and looked at both the proposed draft for that code and a Low-Income Rental Housing Property Tax Exemption, or LIRPTE, along with city’s move to Commercial Mixed-Use codes, or CMU. We promise, there’s only those three acronyms to this story.
In a memo to the council from City Manager Mark Shepard, for the MUPTE. Staff initially recommended CMU primarily for 9th Street and downtown as zones to be included in the MUPTE program.
“There was discussion about possibly expanding the program to include areas near campus. The proposed additions discussed were that the portion of the CMU-1 Zone that is located north of Monroe Avenue, East of 26th Street, South of Van Buren Avenue and West of 14th Street,” said Shepard. “Staff recommends that projects located within the bounds of the Urban Renewal district not qualify for this exemption program as the Urban Renewal District can accomplish many similar impacts.”
There was also a consensus among council members that a review of a drafted LIRPTE should also be conducted, according to Shepard.
“During ‘’the Dec. 15 meeting, the Council heard public comment that existing affordable housing projects, developed by nonprofits, would also like to have access to LIRPTE on a project-by-project basis. LIRPTE is supposed to be a catalyst for an action, such as to assist with initial construction or to undertake a major rehabilitation/expansion. It is not intended to be utilized as an ongoing subsidy for operational shortcomings,” said Shepard.
In order to qualify for exemptions, there is a requirement that at least 51% of the taxing districts must agree on each individual project.
Division of the Taxing Districts:
- 46.2%- Schools (includes LBCC and Corvallis School District)
- 32.5%- City of Corvallis
- 16.2%- Benton County
- 5.1%- Special Districts (911, Extension, Library, Soil & Water)
The council will continue discussions at the next council meeting on Feb. 6.
Adopt-a-Path: The City of Corvallis is accepting applications for the Adopt-a-Path program. The program allows community members within city limits the opportunity to help keep the trails and paths clean and clear of vegetation.
In a release from the city, keeping our shared use paths clean and safe is largely done by the city’s Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments, but the assistance of businesses, families, and community groups through this program is key.
What is required?
- Commit to 2 years of volunteer service
- Complete a path inspection and clean-up 3 times each year
- Review safety information and sign a release of liability form
Click here to sign-up and learn more.
By: Jennifer Williams
