Cumberland council authorizes senior property tax assistance for 182 households

CUMBERLAND, Maine — The Cumberland Town Council on Monday authorized issuance of senior property tax assistance payments to 182 qualifying residents.

The program, open to homeowners age 70 or older who have lived in Cumberland at least 10 years and whose combined household income does not exceed $91,000, will distribute payments to residents who applied and met the eligibility criteria. "To qualify for the property tax assistant program, you should be 70 years of age or older, have a homestead in Cumberland and have been a resident for at least 10 years," Town Manager Matt Sturgis said during the meeting.

The council and staff described outreach steps the town takes to notify likely applicants. Whitney, a member of town staff who administers the program, said staff compiles a spreadsheet of previous applicants, mails reminder packets in July, hosts open hours in August and brings applications to senior sites and other locations. "We send a mailing to all of them in July, letting them know that this is happening in August," Whitney said, adding that most applicants who apply meet the qualifications.

Councilors praised the program’s local impact. "Anything that we do to help our long-term aging population is not only beneficial to them, but it is a reflection of the values that we have as a community," one councilor said during debate.

Council members also asked staff to report back on the related partial-deferment program; Sturgis said several residents have expressed interest and staff will provide updates as applications are received. The council voted unanimously to approve the payments.

The town presentation listed 182 qualified residents and stated a total refund amount in the meeting record; staff said they would provide additional fiscal details during budget discussions and when final figures are posted for the fiscal year.