The property tax freeze for seniors authorized by Tennessee voters and enacted by Blount County [1] last week has only been adopted in six other counties across the state.

Davidson, Wilson, Roane, Bradley, Knox, Hamblen and Blount are the only counties to enact the freeze so far.

According to the Tennessean [2], other counties are taking a wait-and-see approach, "because officials want to have all the details worked out first or because of concerns over future tax losses."

Blount County officials did their homework [3] and asked the County Technical Assistance Service for guidance.

Commissioner Wendy Pitts Reeves explained her reasoning for coming around to support the freeze at her blog [4], and cites citizen input the deciding factor.

Commissioner Mike Walker discussed it at his blog [5], and posted a poll here at BlountViews [6] that generated some discussion.

Hats off to Blount County officials for giving this serious consideration and for taking the lead in making this tax break available to Blount County seniors.

Seniors have until April 7th to apply. According to the Tennessean article, only 2,700 have applied in Davidson Co. and they expect about 6,000 out of a possible 12,000 who qualify. Wilson county officials say 337 have applied, although many more are eligible.

Commissioner Walker has a helpful guide on qualifying [7], and questions about some of the details.

Hopefully, county officials and the media will help get the word out to seniors who may be eligible. Wilson county officials are visiting senior centers to make presentations, which sounds like a good idea.