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disabled, but the City does not offer a deferral program. She said that the City used to have a deferral program but it was discontinued due to lack of use. She said it is hard to put a dollar amount on what a deferral program would cost. She said that the City of Alexandria has a grant program, but the General Assembly would need to amend the City' s charter in order to offer such a program. Ms. Beauregard said that a survey of localities that offer deferral programs show that it is not being used. She said staff is seeking guidance from Council on the issue. Responding to a question from Mr. Schilling, Ms. Beauregard said that the grant program helps people pay their bill and is geared to moderate income levels. Mr. Brown said that a credit is given in the grant program. Mr. Lynch said that the grant program has the advantage of also looking at income. He noted that residential tax growth was higher last year than commercial. He said that the effect of the four cent tax reduction was that commercial properties saw little increase in their taxes. He said that gubernatorial candidate Tim Kaine is proposing differential rates for property tax for properties under home ownership. Dr. Brown asked if Councilors want to pursue the deferral option given that it is not being used. Mr. Lynch said he would like to see the abatement program become more of a deferral program. He said if people do not want to do deferral it means to him that they really do not need relief from the increasing assessments. He said perhaps we are being too generous with the abatement program. Mr. Caravati said he thinks we will have a hard time with the General Assembly, but feels we will need to be aggressive as we explore the grant program. He said he would support leaving the deferral program idea on the table. He said we can control grants more than abatements. Mr. Schilling said he basically agrees with Mr. Lynch regarding the deferral program, and said he thinks it should be more of an exclusive program. He asked where the City would stand getting money when the property is sold. He said we need more information on that. Mr. Lynch said he would consider replacing the abatement program with a deferral program. Dr. Brown suggested that staff develop a specific proposal on a deferral program. Mr. Schilling said he would like to see the average length ofhomeownership by neighborhoods. Mr. Brown asked if Council would like to see a deferral program for other than the elderly and disabled. Dr. Brown said yes, and he would like to get something more specific on a grant program. RESOLUTION: AUTHORIZING $75,000 FOR HABITAT/ABUNDANT LIFE MINISTRY FUNDING REQUEST Mr. Tolbert explained that Abundant Life Ministries requested CDBG funding, but the Task Force was not able to award funds to them because of the religious nature of the organization. He said the proposal is to provide $75,000 to Habitat for Humanities who will enter into a partnership with Abundant Life. Habitat would then construct four affordable units and Abundant Life would possibly construct more. He said it is recommended that funds be taken from the housing initiative funds. He noted that the Police are very supportive of the project.