Boston hearing examines plan to double veterans property-tax exemption, add COLA

The Boston City Council Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing Tuesday on docket 1303, an order to increase property‑tax exemptions for veterans that would double current maximum exemption levels and establish a cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) tied to state law.

The measure, sponsored by Councilor Brian Worrell and Council President Louie Jin and referred to the committee Aug. 28, 2024, would apply the doubling provision to fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2026 and allow the COLA to take effect in subsequent years under state timing. "This order today would be for FY25, FY26 in fiscal years going forward. It will allow the city to essentially double its property tax exemption for veterans," Councilor Brian Worrell said at the hearing.

Why it matters: committee members and city officials said the change would direct more relief to veterans, particularly those on fixed incomes, and that the city currently bears the additional cost of locally adopted exemptions. "We are in a fiscally strong position as a city, and I believe we are in strong enough position to give this type of relief to veterans," Worrell said.

City testimony and technical details Commissioner Santiago, the city's Commissioner of Veteran Services, described outreach and events…