At a town hall on Jan. 7, hosted by 6th District Councilman Mike Archer, residents raised concerns about increasing taxes and high property assessments. Archer’s colleague, 3rd District Councilman Dennis Hancock (R-Fenton), suggested to senior attendees that they apply for the senior property tax freeze if they meet the requirements.

“My tax bill this year, compared to previous years, went up $14,” Hancock said. “My assessment went up significantly higher.”

To be eligible for the senior property tax freeze, a St. Louis County resident must be 62 years old or older, own property or have “legal or equitable interest” and primarily reside on that property. With the freeze, that senior would not have to pay the increase in the tax amount of general operating taxes.

According to Hancock, approximately 74,000 senior households signed up for the senior property tax freeze. Across St. Louis County, seniors saved over $30 million. 

“It benefits a huge number of people, and especially people who are vulnerable,” Hancock said. “It helps people on fixed incomes, whose taxes are going up at high rates. A lot of them were losing their homes because they couldn’t afford to stay there. I think it’s a real win for everyone.”

The application window is open until June 30. Hancock recommended applying in the spring, after tax season is over. Applications can be submitted online or in person at any of the government offices in South County, Clayton, West County and North County. The South County office is located at 4544 Lemay Ferry Road.