Swampscott to vote on seniors’ work-off abatement increase

SWAMPSCOTT – Senior citizens who are willing to roll up their sleeves and volunteer in town could be eligible for even more of a property tax work off abatement this year.At a special Town Meeting on Oct. 19 Town Meeting members will be asked to vote to adopt a state statute that would increase the maximum allowable amount of senior work off abatements from $750 to $1,000 annually per person.Assistant Assessor Donna Champagne O’Keefe said the program currently allows seniors, who are 60 years of age or older, the opportunity to earn a credit of up to $750 on their property tax bill by working for the town in various capacities.”If Town Meeting adopts the state statute as amended seniors would be able to earn an abatement of up to $1,000,” she said.Last year the town had 27 slots open but the number of available slots for this year hasn’t been determined yet. O’Keefe said filling out an application would not guarantee the maximum allowable abatement because it depends on how much work is available and each applicant’s ability to perform the required work.Applicants must have resided in Swampscott since July 1, 2010 and pass a CORI check in order to qualify for the program. O’Keefe said she expects applications for the program would be available in the Assessor’s Office sometime next month.In addition to the work abatement program, there are numerous other tax deferral and tax exemption programs available to seniors. The town will offer a tax deferral program that allows seniors to defer paying all or a portion of their taxes until they transfer the title to their property. Tax exemptions, ranging from $175 to $500, are available for veterans, seniors who are over the age of 70, widows, widowers and individuals who are legally blind.