ID H0409

Counties may establish "senior workforce development" programs to provide financial assistance to residents age 55 and older pursuing postsecondary education or training from accredited institutions or certified training programs.

Counties may establish workforce development funds to accept contributions and offer county property tax exemptions to residential or commercial property owners who contribute to these funds.

County boards of commissioners must approve the total program amount annually at a public budget hearing before making appropriations or granting tax exemptions.

Property tax exemptions may be granted for up to five years for all or a portion of the market value of property, with exemptions continuing as long as the taxpayer maintains participation in the workforce development program.

The exemption for tax year 2016 and thereafter is declared retroactively effective to January 1, 2016.