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| By G. Michael Dobbs Managing Editor CHICOPEE You may have a birthday present from the city of Chicopee. If you're 68 year-old after July 1, you could be eligible for a break on your property taxes. Mayor Michael Bissonnette, Alderman Jean Croteau and the Board of Assessors announced last Thursday the city would be extending a tax exemption for qualified elderly that would not cost the city any loss in revenue. Bissonnette explained that under the previous conditions 369 seniors aged 70 or older in the city qualified for a $500 exemption to their property taxes. With the new conditions in place, there could be up to 763 seniors receiving the tax break. The state reimburses the city for the exemptions. Bissonnette said that not changing the requirements would be like "leaving money on the table." Bissonnette said the change would allow more seniors to afford to stay in their homes. Croteau was the sponsor of the change. He said that his three years serving on the Council on Aging showed him the difficulties many seniors face. "We want to get the maximum the state allows," Croteau added. To qualify a married couple can have an income no more than $20,578 and have assets not greater that $30,000, excluding their home. A single senior must have an income not greater than $16,718 and assets not more than $28,000. To get additional information, call the Board of Assessor office at 594-1430. |