Ellington

The Clarion Ledger reports:

Jackson mayoral candidate Frank Melton's homestead tax exemption on his $488,600 Texas home will be re-evaluated to determine if he meets legal requirements or owes back taxes.

Melton, a Democrat, revealed his Texas homestead earlier this week after a supporter of Democratic Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. challenged Melton's qualifications. Melton said he has met all the qualifications to hold office.

Under Texas law, homeowners are allowed to declare one residence as their principal homestead for a property tax exemption. Melton receives a homestead tax credit for property in Flint, Texas, and lives in east Jackson.

"In Texas, a family or married couple is entitled to only one homestead, and they must declare that as being their principal residence," said Mike Barnett, chief appraiser for the county appraisal district that includes the small town of Flint, about 10 miles south of Tyler.

Full article here.