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Monroe finance board backs $300 increase to senior tax-relief benefit, sends amendment to council
Summary
The Town of Monroe Board of Finance voted May 7 to approve an amendment raising the elderly and permanently disabled tax-relief benefit by $300 and recommended the change to the town council; the board estimated the cost at roughly $70,000–$140,000 and said the expense is covered in the current budget.
The Town of Monroe Board of Finance voted May 7 to approve a proposed amendment to the town's elderly and permanently disabled tax relief ordinance and recommended the change to the town council.
Board members said the amendment increases benefit amounts for eligible seniors by $300 compared with prior proposals. A board member told the meeting the change was developed after consultation with the assessor and the Commission on Aging. Justin Feldman, the town assessor who participated electronically, said the board used surrounding towns' programs and recent enrollment data to estimate the fiscal effect.
Board members described a projected fiscal impact in a range between about $70,000 and $140,000; the board said that amount is covered under the budget approved at referendum. A speaker at the meeting cited historical figures to show that current senior-relief expenditures remain below reported 2008 levels when participation and total payouts were higher.
After a short round of questions about outreach to seniors and how the dollar amounts were chosen, the board took a roll-call vote and approved the motion. The board's vote in favor was unanimous among members present.
Next steps: the board forwarded the approved amendment to the town council for consideration and possible adoption. The council will decide whether to enact the ordinance change and, if approved, the town will notify eligible residents about the revised benefit and application process.
