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Council moves to tie senior tax work-off eligibility to current AMI, councilors debate capacity
Summary
The council approved an amendment to the Senior Tax Work-Off program to change income eligibility from a fixed threshold to 80% of current area median income (AMI); councilors debated means-testing, the 25-slot cap and ideas to increase outreach and slots.
The Somerville City Council approved a request from the mayor's office to amend the Senior Tax Work-Off program to set the maximum qualifying income at 80% of the current area median income (AMI) rather than a fixed dollar threshold. Ashley Spiliotis, Director of the Council on Aging, explained the program's structure: 25 annual slots generally offering a tax exemption of up to $2,000 (the state recently raised the maximum), with the exemption prorated for partial participation.
Councilors pressed the director on whether means-testing should remain a condition for participation, and whether the city could simply expand access instead. Councilor Scott asked why the program gates access by income; Spiliotis said the criteria focus limited slots to those deemed most in need and noted the program often fills fewer than the 25 positions (typically closer to 12 applicants under current income limits). Councilor Strezzo argued that many Somerville seniors already have incomes below $50,000 and that preserving means-testing helps deliver equitable benefits to those most in need.
Spiliotis said raising the eligibility to 80% of current AMI could expand eligibility compared with neighboring cities and that increasing the per-person rebate to $2,000 (matching state guidance) will increase program costs from roughly $37,500 to approximately $50,000 annually if all 25 slots are filled. Councilors suggested increasing outreach, shifting discretionary funds from promotional items to program support, and reviewing options for increasing the slot cap in the next budget cycle.
Why it matters: As demographic and cost-of-living pressures grow, the program is a targeted local tool to provide tax relief and part-time employment for older residents. The change will use a relative AMI threshold to adapt eligibility over time, but capacity and budget limits remain binding constraints.
What happens next: Council approved the amendment and directed staff to pursue outreach and to report back on options to expand slots or reallocate funds during the next budget cycle.
