Tax breaks for veterans
Date: 12/5/2012
By Carley Dangona
carley@thereminder.comWEST SPRINGFIELD — At a press conference Nov. 27, Mayor Gregory Neffinger announced his plan to introduce a tax ordinance to the Town Council that would create a rebate program for veterans.
The announcement followed a proposal Neffinger made in October for a senior abatement program. The abatement for veterans is an addition to the originally drafted ordinance. Both programs entitle residents to a tax rebate, in return for volunteering within the town.
The mayor cited the breaks as one way to alleviate the financial responsibilties of residents in a tough economic time.
The proposal states, "The reduction of the real property tax bill shall not exceed $1,000 in a given tax year."
Neffinger clarified the intention of the programs. "No union jobs will be lost. We plan to do things that are not already being done. For example, we would like to provide senior programs at the UNICO complex and in Mittineague Park," he said.
The mayor also stated that he was researching the possibility of allowing veterans who are also seniors to participate in both programs.
"I'm expecting approximately $40,000 will be lost in tax revenue [as a result of these programs]," Neffinger added.
Residents 60 or older will be eligible for the programs if they own and reside at the property the refund is for, apply for the program yearly, meet the minimum requirements for volunteer openings, and are not a current employee of the town. The pay rate for services will be equal to the minimum wage at the time the volunteer hours are completed.
