Residents 65 or older and disabled people in the community may apply for a 70 percent reduction in a local property tax if they have no school-age children living with them. The Measure A assessment passed in 1987 and 1998 provides funds to improve schools.

People who qualify for the tax reduction must reapply each year, which can be done by contacting the Elk Grove Unified School District by phone, mail, or in person.

The deadline for applying for the tax reduction is June 30.

Under 1987's Measure A, people who live in homes built before 1987 pay $45.84 a year. With the reduction, they would pay $13.75. Residents whose homes were built between January 26, 1987, and June 30, 1998, pay $117.84 annually, which drops to $35.35 with the reduction.

The Measure A approved in March 1998 assesses future homes at $180 or $200 per year, and retains the 70 percent discount for seniors and disabled people.

The lower rates also apply to apartments and mobile homes. Landlords must pass the tax savings on to renters who receive the reduction.

For an application or for more information, call the district's Facilities and Planning Department at 686-7562, or write Marcia Grambusch at EGUSD Facilities, 9510 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Room 206, Elk Grove, CA 95624, or e-mail schooltax@egusd.net [1].