Alexandria-Williams understands that by tackling this problem, the city can demonstrate its commitment to supporting its senior and veteran populations, potentially improving their quality of life and easing their financial burdens

As a long-time advocate for our community, I, Mr. Williams, want to bring attention to a critical issue affecting our senior citizens in Memphis. For years, I’ve been working tirelessly to address a significant oversight in our property tax system that has unfairly burdened our elderly and vulnerable residents.

Many of you may not be aware, but Tennessee state law TCA 67-5-702 provides property tax exemptions for eligible seniors aged 65 and older, veterans, widows of veterans, and disabled individuals. However, here in Memphis, this law has been largely overlooked, resulting in many of our citizens paying taxes they should have been exempt from.

This isn’t just a minor oversight; it’s a substantial financial burden on those who can least afford it. While our neighboring states of Arkansas and Mississippi honor this law, Memphis has fallen behind in its implementation. It’s time for change.

The current focus on tax freezes by our elected officials, while well-intentioned, doesn’t go far enough. A freeze only prevents future increases; it doesn’t address the years of overpayment many of our seniors have endured. We need a comprehensive approach that includes:

• A city-wide awareness campaign to educate eligible residents about their rights
• A thorough review of past payments to identify those who have overpaid
• A fair and just restitution plan for those who have paid taxes they were exempt from
• A commitment to properly implement and enforce TCA 67-5-702 moving forward

This issue is close to my heart, and I’ve been working on it for years. It’s not just about following the law; it’s about doing what’s right for our community. By addressing this problem, we can significantly improve the quality of life for many of our senior citizens and show that Memphis truly cares for all its residents.

I call on all our city officials and fellow citizens to join me in this fight for justice. Let’s ensure that our seniors, veterans, and disabled residents receive the tax relief they’re entitled to under the law. Together, we can make Memphis a model city that truly honors and supports its most vulnerable citizens.