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Norwood board raises Senior Tax Work-Off income limit to 80% of AMI
Summary
The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved raising the income eligibility for the Senior Tax Work‑Off Program to 80% of area median income for calendar year 2026, a change staff said will expand access for older residents. The program allows qualifying seniors to work for a property tax credit and a small water/sewer credit.
The Board of Selectmen voted Sept. 9 to set income limits for the Town of Norwood Senior Tax Work‑Off Program at 80% of the area median income for calendar year 2026, expanding eligibility from the existing local thresholds.
Staff told the board the program, coordinated through human resources and authorized under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5(k), allows participating seniors to earn a property tax reduction of up to $2,000 and an additional up to $300 off water and sewer bills by performing work for town departments. Staff said the program requires roughly 133 hours of service to receive the full benefit.
"The proposal that we'd like to go with for this year is to set the income limit at 80% of the area median income," a staff presenter told the board, adding that 80% AMI for a single household currently translates to about $92,000 and about $105,850 for a two‑person household. Board members noted the program has been growing and that nearly all participants who sign up reach the required hours to earn the full credit.
Board members moved the item and approved it unanimously. The motion to adopt the 80% AMI income limits was made and seconded on the record; the board announced the vote as unanimous.
Officials said the town will notify potential participants and continue outreach through the senior center and town communications; staff also said they will continue monitoring uptake and can return to the board if further adjustments are warranted.
