Clay County seniors participating in the county’s property tax relief program could soon be relieved of an annual renewal requirement as commissioners move toward eliminating the process.

County commissioners recently reached a consensus directing staff to bring back an amendment removing the annual renewal requirement while continuing to develop ways to verify participants remain eligible for the program.

The Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief Program applies to eligible Clay County residents age 62 and older who own or have a legal interest in their home, use it as their primary residence and are responsible for the real estate taxes.

The commission approved the program in November 2023, with its provisions taking effect Jan. 1, 2025. Under the current ordinance, participants must renew their application each year to remain in the program.

Administrative Services Director DeEtta Jacobs said the county began the year with 17,114 applications, with 16,701 participants completing the re…