By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – The City Council reviewed a request from Mayor Arthur Vigeant at its Feb. 13 meeting to consider approving the establishment of a Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-off Program. This program would allow the city to provide local property owners over the age of 60 with a reduction on the amount paid on their property tax in exchange for services to the city. In a written communication to the council, Vigeant said that in addition to the abatement, seniors would also be paid the Massachusetts minimum wage hourly rate of $8. The mayor proposed that the abatements be allowed up to the maximum amount allowed by the state, $1,000.
“In order to ensure responsible implementation, all department heads will be asked to take an inventory of their offices to determine how their needs may be met by this program,” Vigeant said.
The council voted unanimously to refer the request to the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee.
Jennifer Claro, the city's Council on Aging director, said many seniors have expressed an interest in taking part in a Tax Work-off program.
“This would ease their tax burden and also give them an opportunity to get out into the community and render service,” she said.
The Property Tax Relief program has been operating successfully for many years in municipalities throughout the state. Positions are offered on the basis of qualification, availability, financial need, location and physical limitation.
Janice McIntyre, customer service manager at the Callahan Senior Center in Framingham, has been managing the program there for the past six years. Residents in that town voted to run it during their fiscal year, August to May.
“It has been very successful. Seniors love the program and many of them continue to stay on as volunteers when they have reached their quota,” she said.
