By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Local seniors once again have an opportunity to participate in the Senior Citizen Residential Property Tax Work-off Program (SCRPT) as the second year of the program gets underway. Mayor Arthur Vigeant received full support of the City Council at its Sept. 9 meeting to continue providing opportunities for seniors to share their skills in service with the community. After doing so, they may receive up to an abatement of $1,000 on their property taxes.
Twenty-five residents participated in the first program, after being chosen from a field of 50 candidates. 31 are being considered for this year's program, according to Jennifer Claro, Council on Aging (COA) director, who is engaged in maintaining the program.? Among city departments participating are the COA, Senior Center, Community Development Authority Housing office, Retirement Board, Phoenix Program, Special Education, Early Childhood Center, Public Works, and a City Hall general greeter position through the mayor's office.
Applicants must be at least 60 years of age and a resident of the city for at least five consecutive years. They must own their own home and have an annual income less than $52,000 per year for a single filer; less than $65,000 if head of household, or less than $78,000 if married and a joint filer.
Claro maintains a record for each program participant, complete with number of hours of service volunteered and the total amount by which his or her real property tax obligation has been reduced on the tax bill.