Milton Select Board Grapples with Tax Assessment Errors and Senior Tax Relief Proposals

During a recent meeting of the Milton Select Board, members addressed issues surrounding property tax assessments and proposed tax relief measures for seniors. The board focused on correcting past errors in property tax assessments and deliberated on the financial implications and logistics of potential tax relief programs.

0:00A major portion of the meeting centered on resolving discrepancies in property tax assessments for properties on Lothrop Street and Tucker Street. These properties had undergone changes in ownership and structure, leading to confusion in their tax assessments. A property on Lothrop Street that had been converted from a two-family dwelling into condominiums and then back again was improperly billed, causing errors in tax collection. The board agreed to abate the incorrect assessment and reassess it as two separate condominiums for the current fiscal year. Similarly, on Tucker Street, two separate condominiums were mistakenly taxed as a single two-family dwelling. The board voted to correct this error as well.

Members sought clarity on ownership details and future actions to ensure proper tax collection, emphasizing the need for precise oversight and adjustments in the tax billing system.

19:10In parallel, the board delved into a proposed tax relief initiative aimed at benefiting senior citizens and veterans. This proposal included a new local tax credit designed to provide additional financial relief to seniors. However, the board expressed apprehension about the potential impact of the program on the town’s budget and other taxpayers. An estimate suggested that the cost of the program could reach $259,000, but some members speculated it might rise to $700,000, raising concerns about the financial burden on taxpayers.

37:55The board also scrutinized the eligibility criteria for the proposed tax relief, which included lowering the age threshold from 70 to 65 and increasing income limits. This expansion of eligibility raised questions about the sustainability of the program and its potential strain on the town’s finances. Members debated the authority of the select board to determine the percentage of tax relief, with some expressing discomfort over the broad power this would grant the board.

19:10Communication and outreach emerged as critical areas of concern, with board members noting a lack of prior engagement from the Select Board in formulating the proposals. They emphasized the need for clearer communication to ensure that eligible seniors are informed about the available benefits and understand their options.

The discussion also touched on the existing tax deferral program for seniors, considering whether it could be applied concurrently with the new tax exemption. Members agreed that further exploration of the relationship between the two programs was necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding of the available tax relief options.

37:55As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the noble intent of the proposed tax relief program but recognized the uncertainties surrounding its implementation and financial implications. They resolved to gather more information and consider delaying the decision until further clarification could be obtained. The board aimed to present a well-informed proposal at the upcoming town meeting.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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