HOME RULE LEGISLATION / TO AMEND THE SENIOR CITIZEN PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION

To see if the Town will vote to authorize and request the Select Board to request the Legislation or Senate and House of Representatives in General Court or other Special Legislation to amend Chapter 285 of the Acts of 2020 “An Act Authorizing the Town of Arlington To Establish A Means Tested Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption” by inserting the following language at the end of Section 3“; or funded by an appropriation or transfer from existing funds while not exceeding 1 per cent of the municipality’s tax levy.”; or take any action related thereto

Inserted at the request of the Board of Assessors

Voted (4-0) - Mr. Helmuth recused himself.  The Select Board heard from the Town Manager that Article 21 was submitted on behalf of the Town’s Board of Assessors while the Town contemplated the implementation of the tax exemption, which voters approved as a ballot question in November of 2023 regarding whether the Town should accept the provisions of a state law permitting the tax exemption. The Town Manager noted that the Board of Assessors agrees that no action is recommended on the Article at this time. The Town Manager explained that there is presently a lack of information to assess the implications of the tax exemption, such as how it would be implemented, the number of eligible participants, and the cost.

On a motion from Mr. DeCourcey, the Select Board then voted that no action be taken on this Article following the Town Manager’s summary of the current issues.

The Finance Committee

understands that the proponents will withdraw this Article.

That no action be taken under Article 21. 

The Finance Committee understands that the proponents will withdraw this Article

Select Board Report

Finance Committee Report

Substitute Motion, Peter Fiore, Precinct 2