HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-TDES-rpt RECEIVED
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,Anne McQuilken,Board Liaison,Norman Cohen. Appropriations Committee Liaison,John
Bartenstein. Staff Liaison,Rob Addelson.
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,Property Tax Relieffor Seniors,with current information for
distribution by the Town
• The committee continues to do research and to participate in discussions with town officials to
maintain eligibility standards for the Town's deferral program that are both fiscally prudent and
beneficial to deserving property owners. A Selectman's motion to raise the eligibility standard to
households with incomes of up to$51,000 was approved by the Spring 2010 Town Meeting.