ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis County Council is preparing Tuesday to once again for a vote on a property tax freeze for seniors.
The Council previously listened to a proposal for the freeze back in July, but concerns from the plans included loss of revenue for schools, fire departments and other public services led to the proposal being rejected.
Councilman Ernie Trakas, who was in favor of the previous bill, believes they have addressed concerns from the Democratic side of the council, but still isn't sure the bill will pass.
"We need one Democrat to vote (in favor of the bill)," said Trakas, "I don't know for certain if we'll have that."
Trakas says he also has concerns of his own that the legislation may get shot down in the courts, believing the bill's language being different from the state.
"I just got a concern that the language in the bill in the county's proposed ordinance, if it may not pass the test," said Trakas, "It's just a concern, I'm not saying I'm right, it's just a concern."
The county's version says senior citizens of a certain age would qualify for the tax freeze while the states version says those who qualify for social security can qualify for the freeze.
Trakas says the states qualifications would make those with pensions like firemen and teachers ineligible for the tax freeze.
Despite those concerns however, Trakas tells KMOX that Councilman Mark Harder and Dennis Hancock will vote alongside him in favor of passing the bill.
Trakas says talks remain ongoing between councilmembers and there could be last minute changes to the bill ahead of the vote Tuesday night.