HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-TDES-rpt RECEIVED
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TOWN CLERK
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2015 TAX DEFERRAL AND EXEMPTION STUDY COMMITTEE LEXINGTON nn
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,
Alan Seferian, Mary Haskell 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 Property Tax Relief Programs brochure with current information on
property tax exemptions and deferrals for distribution by the Town
• Developed a description of Lexington's Property Tax Deferral Program which
was mailed with the final Real Estate Tax Bills
• 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