Panel suggests counties take over senior tax rebate program

By Cy Ryan (contact)

Friday, Oct. 24, 2008 | 5:28 p.m.

The Spending and Government Efficiency Commission (SAGE) is considering turning over the administration of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Rebate Program to the counties.

SAGE met in Reno Friday.

In the last fiscal year the state sent $4.6 million to low-income senior citizens and it expects the rebate to rise to $5.9 million next fiscal year.

The average check was $370.

Sabra Smith-Newby, director of the Department of Administrative Services in Clark County, and Washoe County Assessor Josh Wilson said they might be able to handle the administration of the program in processing and paying the claims.

But they made it clear that the state should still provide the money for the rebates.

The Nevada Association of Counties opposed shifting the program to local government on grounds it would hurt some of the rural counties.

The counties now receive $4 for each application that is sent to the state.

The committee will also study the question whether renters should be able to get the rebate.