Buchanan County is considering a change to occupancy status for taxing real estate. The change would mean homeowners are only taxed for the period when a residence is usable.

Presiding Commissioner RT Turner says flooding at Sugar Lake prompted the possible change. Under current law, residents of homes destroyed by high water will be taxed for the whole year. Under the occupancy process, they would only be taxed for the time the home was livable.

The Commissioners plan to meet with taxing entities next month to talk about it.