Mayor James J. Fiorentini > Press Release

April 3, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MAYOR WANTS TO EXPAND SENIOR CITIZEN TAX RELIEF VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Mayor James J. Fiorentini today submitted an ordinance to the City Council asking them to expand the Senior Citizen Tax Relief Program.

The current program, which Mayor Fiorentini started as a City Councilor in 1997, allow people over the age of 65 to receive up to $695 back on their taxes if they work in City Hall or the Public Library.

Fiorentini said that the restrictions placed on the program when it was enacted are so restrictive that very few senior citizens are eligible for the program.  Under the current guidelines, senior citizens must make less than $25,000 (married) or $20,000 (single) and have fewer than $30,000 (married) or $28,000 (single) in assets.  The new ordinance would increase asset limits to $50,000 and annual income limit to $50,000.  It also adjusts the hourly wage to current state minimum wage requirements.  This allows more seniors to be eligible.

Fiorentini said that expanding the program would give a few more residents the opportunity to get a tax break while helping out their city:

“This program is not for everyone.  However, it is one of the many tools we have in our arsenal to help senior citizens.  For a few senior citizens, this provides a win-win. It gives them the opportunity to help their city and, at the same time, receive some money back on their taxes.

“We recently had a senior citizen working in the Mayor’s office.  The help we received was invaluable in answering the telephones and dealing with constituent complaints.

 “Changing the guidelines will give more citizens an opportunity to contribute to their city and obtain tax-relief.”