Senior property tax relief program to be presented at Town Meeting

Date: 1/30/2012

Jan. 30, 2012

By Chris Maza

chrism@thereminder.com

LONGMEADOW — The Council on Aging (COA) plans to go ahead with plans to present its senior property tax relief proposal for a vote at the Annual Town Meeting.

COA Board of Directors Chair John Bowen told Reminder Publications he plans to report its intentions to submit a petition for a warrant article prior to the Feb. 27 deadline to the Select Board at its meeting on Jan. 30.

“The Council on Aging is moving ahead optimistically,” Bowen said. “We are currently getting the signatures needed and will have many more than are needed by Feb. 27.”

The Means Tested Property Tax Relief Program, which is currently being employed in the towns of Hamilton and Sudbury, is specifically designed to benefit seniors on fixed incomes who qualify for the state’s Circuit Breaker program. Circuit Breaker offers a $980 reimbursement to residents whose property tax bills exceed 10 percent of their total income.

Through the Means Tested Property Tax Relief Program, those earning $25,000 and paying $5,000 in property taxes would receive $980 from the state, plus an additional $980 tax rebate from the town.

Those who make $35,000 would receive $980 from the state and $500 from the town. Those earning $45,000 might receive consideration from the state, but would not receive any rebate from the town.

Bowen said at a meeting at the Adult Center on Oct. 20, 2011 that he estimated the program would cost the town approximately $150,000.

Bowen added that the proposal has gained significant support from town officials.

“Based on advice from a member of the Select Board, I have been meeting with town officials, including the finance director, the Finance Committee chair and the Board of Assessors and there has been no objection from any of them,” Bowen said. “In fact, there has been a great deal of enthusiasm.”

The School Committee is partnering with the COA on this proposal because they believe keeping seniors in their homes will take some burden off of the school system, he added.

Bowen explained at the Oct. 20, 2011 meeting that keeping seniors in their homes prevents the turnover of property to younger families with children, which would increase demand on the schools.

Bowen said he is confidence that when brought before the town, it would pass easily.

“There has been widespread community support, so we are very optimistic,” he said.

Another informational meeting regarding the Means Tested Property Tax Relief Program is being planned for some time in April and will be publicized on Longmeadow Community Television.