HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-TDES-rpt RECEIVED
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TOWN CLERK
TAX DEFERRAL AND EXEMPTION STUDY COMMITTEE LEXINGTON MA
ROLE. To study understand, and evaluate options for helping lower-income citizens,particularly seniors,
with their property taxes To research existing state legislation that enables local tax exemptions and
deferrals,estimate the probable cost to the town budget,and advise the Selectmen on the costs and benefits,
pros and cons of each option. To track legislation currently under development by the Commonwealth and
to encourage legislation beneficial to town interests.
APPOINTED by the Board of Selectmen. Co-Chairs Vicki Blier and Patricia Costello Joel Adler,Mary
Haskell,William Kennedy Anne McQuilken,Board Liaison,Norman Cohen. Appropriations Committee
Liaison,John Bartenstein. Staff Liaison,Lauren McSweeney
HIGHLIGHTS
• Continued to follow legislation pertaining to tax exemptions and deferrals
• Joined with the Property Tax Relief Committee of the Massachusetts Council on Aging to follow
tax exemptions and deferrals offered by other communities and emerging at the state level.
• Updated the committee s brochure,Properh Tax Relieffor Seniors with current information for
distribution by the Town
• Responded to an FY2008 Town Meeting citizen article brought forth by Benjamin Cohen
requesting a home rule petition to raise income eligibility levels and lower the qualifying age for
property tax deferrals. The committee consulted with town officials and advised the Selectmen on
a substitute motion which would provide the Town with greater options for creating its own
program. Due to a crowded legislative calendar,this home rule petition did not proceed to a vote
in 2007 but State Representative Jay Kaufman reintroduced the petition(HR4262,)and the chairs
and Town Manager Carl Valente provided testimony and were successful in having the bill
passed.
The committee continues to do research and to participate in discussions with town officials to
formulate a new eligibility standard for the Town s deferral program that is both fiscally prudent
and beneficial to deserving seniors.A motion for a new eligibility standard will be put before the
Spring 2009 Town Meeting.
• At the request of the Selectmen,the committee researched,consulted with town officials,and
prepared a report on defining eligibility and benefit rules for Lexington s water and sewer
discounts for deserving residents. Our recommendation to provide a 10%water and sewer
discount to rate payers who receive fuel assistance under the federal LIHEAP fuel assistance
program was adopted by the Town this year In FY2008 15 homes received the discount.