The Mahoning County Commissioners discussed the possibility of a doubled homestead exemption and reduced owner occupancy tax to lessen the tax burden on senior citizens at their Commissioners' meeting on Thursday, but cited concerns that it would impact funds for public services such as 

House Bill 96, which Ohio legislators passed last year, added the homestead exemption that gives senior citizens and people with disabilities with a net income of $38,600 or less a tax break, according to the Mahoning County Commissioners' website. The bill gives county commissioners the power to double the required income to be eligible.

Austintown resident Joann Bukovina says her property taxes have gone up, but her income has not increased since she retired.

"It's a struggle because I have to do what everybody else does: buy groceries, pay bills, have doctor's appointments," she said.

The Trumbull County Commissioners have discussed a similar tax break, but believe sales taxes of large businesses such as Amazon or Kimberly-Clark will make up for lost revenue. 

Cortland resident David Wittenauer, a retired truss design engineer, says he does not qualify for the current homestead exemption but does not feel he can afford his current property tax. He adds he would like a lower property tax burden.

"This is the first time that I'm actually trying to figure out where I'm going to come up with my money to pay my tax bill," he said.

Hubbard resident Janice Shriver says she worries that reduced property tax income will affect funding for public services.

"I think you should do your fair share; When you're a senior, you should care for your grandchildren, your children's children, and you belong to the community whether you're a senior or not," she said.