Swampscott seniors offered opportunity to work off taxes

SWAMPSCOTT – Seniors in town who would like to work off up to $1,000 of their property taxes must complete and return an application to the Assessor’s Office by Dec. 15.Assistant Assessor Donna Champagne O’Keefe said the program allows seniors, who are 60 years of age or older, the opportunity to earn a credit by working for the town in various capacities.?Town Meeting adopted the state statute as amended so in 2011 seniors will be able to earn an abatement of up to $1,000,” she said.Administrative Assistant Maureen Shultz said the seniors are an invaluable resource in town offices.?It’s a great partnership between us and them,” Shultz said. “I love my seniors. They are very dependable and pleasant. They are very willing to help and do anything you ask of them. I couldn’t do without them.”Jo-Ann Lynch, who retired five years ago from Puritan Health Center, has been participating in the senior abatement program for about 18 months and loves it.?I really enjoy going to work in Town Hall,” she said. “It’s been a great experience. I learn a little bit about how the town works in each office I go into. I’ve worked in the Health Department, Town Administrator and Assessor’s Office. Everyone is so friendly. I really enjoy it.”Senior Alleene Greenwood, a retired drug and alcohol rehab counselor, has also participated in the program for several years.?It’s a pleasure to work there,” she said. “I’ve worked in various offices in Town Hall and done lots and lots of filing. Everyone is also so nice and I look forward to working there.”O’Keefe said if they are more qualified applicants than slots, participants will be selected in a random lottery.She said filling out an application will 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.In addition to the work abatement program, there are several other programs that offer tax breaks to seniors.The town offers 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 older than 70, widows, widowers and individuals who are legally blind.