Senior Tax Work-Off Abatement Program (the program) recognizes that many senior citizens can provide a wealth of knowledge and skills from which the Town could benefit in its various departmental needs. The program is designed to match municipal volunteer opportunities with eligible taxpayers in order to assist them with property tax bills, increase involvement in municipal government, and enhance municipal services by utilizing the skills and abilities of qualified volunteer residents. Under this property tax-relief program, eligible homeowners aged 60 or older volunteer their service to the Town and are compensated at a rate per hour of service that is credited to their real property tax bills. These credits may be in addition to any property tax exemptions that they may be eligible for under other statutes, such as personal exemptions under M.G.L. c. 59 § 5 or residential exemptions under M.G.L c. 59 § 5C. If eligible they may also defer the balance of their taxes under M.G.L. c. 58 § 5(41A).

Templeton selectmen and Council on Aging should put this matter before annual town meeting in order to lower age of senior work off and pursue and ensure residents are aware of additional programs to aid seniors in property tax relief. They deserve that effort.