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RECEIVED TOWN CLERK 2017 TAX DEFERRAL AND EXEMPTION STUDY COMMITTEE LEXINGTON MA ROLE: The Tax Deferral and Exemption Committee is charged to review and recommend to the Board of Selectmen options for the deferral or exemption of local property taxes under existing state law, or by home rule petition for a special act of the state legislature, that might enhance or make accessible the property tax relief currently available to elderly, low-income, disabled or otherwise deserving residents. APPOINTED by the Board of Selectmen: Co-Chairs Vicki Blier and Patricia Costello, Richard Bair, Pam Joshi. Board Liaison, Michelle Ciccolo. Appropriations Committee Liaison, John Bartenstein. Staff Liaison, Carolyn Kosnoff. HIGHLIGHTS: • Created an insert promoting Lexington's property tax deferral program which was included with first quarter real estate tax bills • Created and distributed a poster promoting real estate property tax deferrals • Met with members of the Lexington Interfaith Clergy to promote outreach training on property tax deferrals and exemptions and advertised training with all Lexington organizations that interface with senior citizens • Developed training materials • Provided Property Tax Deferrals and Safety Net Programs outreach training on February 15 • Continue to follow legislation pertaining to tax exemptions and deferrals and prepared analysis of 41C1/2 and Section 51/2 property tax exemptions • Provided research and input to a committee studying a Residential Exemption option for Lexington • Met with Charlotte Rodgers, Director of Human Services to recommend revisions to the Senior Service Program that would bring the income limit in line with the tax deferral program. • Assisted the Assessor's Office in updating the Property Tax Relief Programs brochure with current information on the Massachusetts Circuit Breaker tax credit and the Federal Reserve interest rate to be used for deferrals • Joined with the Property Tax Relief Committee of the Massachusetts Council on Aging to follow property tax exemptions and deferrals offered by other communities and emerging at the state level • The committee continues to do research and to participate in discussions with town officials to maintain eligibility standards for the Town's property tax deferral program that are both fiscally prudent and beneficial to deserving property owners