Board of Assessors mulls proposal for senior tax relief

Board of Assessors Chair Steve Klitgord briefed members on March 2 regarding a proposal developed through the town’s senior tax relief committee. The committee has been exploring ways to make it more affordable for older residents to remain in town.
He said the committee initially examined the idea of a two-tier tax structure in which homeowners aged 65 and older would pay a lower property tax rate. That concept was set aside after members determined it would shift too much of the tax burden onto other residents because the town must still raise the same total revenue.
During that analysis, Klitgord said the committee found that about 40% of the town’s residential tax base is owned by households with at least one resident age 65 or older. Many of these residents have lived in town for 20 years or more and continue paying property taxes after their children are no longer enrolled in the public school system. On average, approximately 70% of the total annual budget funds the cost of running the school district.
Member Zach Ventress stated that older residents tend to make greater use of the public safety, fire department and emergency medical services which can add to demands on the municipal budget. For 2025, the Fire and Police Department budgets comprised 4% of the tax bill allocation each and for March 25 to Feb. 26 user fees for ambulance transport generated $840,000 in revenue that goes back to the general fund.
The committee instead discussed a proposal to provide a flat $500 annual tax credit to homeowners age 65 and older as a symbolic “thank you” for long-term contributions to the community. Klitgord said seniors would still pay the higher tax rate needed to fund the credit, meaning the net benefit would be about $300 per household.
However, Klitgord said discussions with Director of Assessing Robert Leroux indicated the state would likely reject the proposal because it provides a universal benefit without a means test, while most state-authorized senior tax relief programs require income eligibility.
Ventress said that if the article remains, it should clearly explain that the measure would likely not receive state approval. He also cautioned that asking Town Meeting to vote on a measure that cannot take effect could frustrate residents.
The board will meet on March 4 to decide whether to withdraw the proposed town meeting article or leave it on the warrant to raise awareness about demographic trends in town and highlight the role senior homeowners play in the community’s tax base.
Leroux said the assessing office continues assisting the Council on Aging with tax preparation services and is coordinating with the Boston Public Library on the document scanning project. Materials prepared by the office are scheduled to be transferred to the library March 4 for digitization.
Leroux noted that Philip Parks and Massimo Taurisano were scheduled to appear on the ballot for reelection in the upcoming town election.
The board also reviewed ongoing property tax administration work regarding the recently completed real estate abatement reviews and inspections. Leroux said the Board of Assessors can expect to vote on abatement applications at its March 16 meeting, with case discussions to occur in executive session.