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Date: 5/1/2015
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Eligible veterans and senior citizens are again encouraged to apply for the chance to work while saving money on their property taxes.
The Senior Rebate Ordinance offers jobs in West Springfield for qualified seniors and veterans to earn $800 and $1,000 respectively. Seniors are required to work 100 hours, while veterans must commit to 125.
Mayor Edward Sullivan said the ordinance was originally adopted to give seniors and veterans a tax break, but the town also benefits from the partnership.
“I think it’s great to have them come back and work in the community. A lot of them have some great knowledge, and they’re a good resource to tap into,” Sullivan said.
Sandra Macfadyen, West Springfield’s Human Resources Director, said 18 seniors and veterans participated in the 2014 program and some have already reapplied for this year’s.
“They keep coming back. It’s a fun thing to do,” she said. They enjoy the work and it’s a win-win situation for the town because we get work accomplished that we probably wouldn’t get to and the seniors and the veterans they get money to taken off their property taxes.”
Aside from money towards their property taxes, both Macfadyen and Sullivan said the program helps involved participants in the community.
“It’s an opportunity for them to learn about town government. It’s an opportunity for them to become part of the community,” Macfadyen said. “It’s just an opportunity for them to get involved.”
Macfadyen added that some of those who join the program have shown interest in continuing their work with the town in some way or another, either by joining a committee or volunteering.
Senior citizens who are 65 years or older as of July 1, who have an annual income of $30,000 or less and have less than $40,000 in assets, not including a primary residence, are eligible for the program. Those who are currently employed by the Town of West Springfield are not eligible, but those who have retired may apply.
There are no age or income restrictions on veterans, but veterans must own a taxable property and use it as their primary residence.
The program begins July 1 and hours must be completed by Nov. 30. Applications are available at the Human Resources Department or the Council on Aging and submitted by May 29. For questions, please call 263-3232.