Board tentatively OKs $84,250.53 in volunteer first-responder tax abatements, contingent on finance board approval

The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a request for property-tax abatements to benefit volunteer first responders totaling $84,250.53, contingent on a separate transfer vote by the Board of Finance.

The abatement is being administered under an ordinance titled “Property Tax Abatement and Other Benefits for Volunteer First Responders,” approved by the Town Council on June 17, 2020. The Finance Office told the board the town budgeted $80,000 for the program and is seeking an $84,250.53 transfer to cover the approved list of volunteers. The board’s approval is contingent on the Board of Finance completing that transfer.

Town staff explained the program’s process: the presidents of participating organizations (the fire department and volunteer ambulance service) submit a roster of eligible volunteers each year based on locally established criteria, and then individual volunteers apply with proof of their tax liability for the year. The town verifies there are no unpaid taxes before processing abatements.

Supporters on the board said the program has been successful for recruitment and retention. One selectman noted the cap included in the program design was intended to limit fiscal exposure while supporting emergency services. The board approved the request by voice vote and recorded the contingent funding requirement in the motion.

The abatement will not be processed until the Board of Finance approves the requested transfer at its July 24 meeting.

Notes: The motion recorded at the meeting did not list who made or seconded the motion on the record; the board announced the vote as unanimous.