Plymouth Town Council discusses veterans' property tax exemption increases under HERO Act

Plymouth's Select Board has taken significant steps to enhance support for local veterans during their meeting on December 17, 2024. The board discussed the implementation of new provisions under the HERO Act, which aims to improve the quality of life for veterans in Massachusetts. Two key clauses, 22 I and 22 J, were highlighted for their potential impact on property tax benefits for veterans.

Clause 22 I introduces an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for property tax exemptions granted to veterans on their primary residences. This adjustment will be determined each year by the Department of Revenue, ensuring that the benefits keep pace with inflation. Meanwhile, Clause 22 J allows municipalities to increase the exemption amount for qualifying veterans by up to 100% of the existing exemption.

In Plymouth, the current system provides exemptions under clauses 22 and 22 E, benefiting veterans with service-related disabilities. For fiscal year 2024, the town granted exemptions totaling $424,200, with 478 veterans receiving a base exemption of $400 and 233 veterans with 100% disabilities receiving $1,000 each.

The board explored various scenarios for adjusting these exemptions. Maintaining the current system would keep benefits stable, while implementing a COLA increase would result in a modest rise in the base exemption amounts. A more substantial option discussed was increasing the base exemption by 50%, which would significantly enhance support for veterans, reflecting the community's appreciation for their service.

The Select Board aims to balance these enhancements with budgetary considerations, planning to revisit the possibility of maximizing the exemptions in the future. This proactive approach underscores Plymouth's commitment to honoring and supporting its veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve.