Bill giving seniors tax override break is praised, panned
A bill that would allow cities and towns to exempt low- to moderate-income seniors from override tax increases won enthusiastic approval in the House late last month. As the bill remains pending in the Senate, voters south of Boston are giving it mixed reviews.
Residents 65 and older with a combined household income of less than $60,000 a year would be eligible, provided their property tax bill makes up 10 percent of their yearly income. City councils or town meetings could grant seniors an exemption from Proposition 2 1/2 tax limit overrides.
Supporters of the measure say it's fair. They add that the bill might even give overrides a better chance of passing since seniors on fixed incomes often are vigorous opponents of any attempt to increase taxes.
Opponents argue that taking a large block of con tributors out of the pool will magnify an override's effect on the rest of the property owners. They say that past generations of elderly helped shoulder their community's tax burden, and now it is time for current seniors to do the same.
Last spring 100 communities across the state asked voters for some form of tax increase, according to the Massachusetts Municipal Association. Fewer than half gained voter support.
Geoff Beckwith, executive director of the Municipal Association, said the proposed legislation simply gives communities the opportunity to be more flexible.
"In any case, it won't affect this current override season or the next fiscal year," Beckwith said.
Charles Greely, a resident of Holbrook, where a $2.8 million override will be considered on April 1, said he thought the option was a good idea for his community.
"It would cost me more money and other parents more money, but I think it's fair," Greely said. Greely is a vigorous supporter of the pending override, which would channel about $1.8 million to Holbrook schools.
But Kevin Costa, another override supporter as well as a member of Holbrook's Finance Committee, stands on the other side of the issue.
"This is about a community stepping up to the plate and saying. 'Let's do this for our community,' " Costa said. "There are options, like reverse mortgages, for the seniors. Their parents and parents' parents supported the schools. Now it's their turn."
Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, predicts the measure will divide communities.
"I also think there are sufficient programs to help seniors, like the circuit breaker on state income tax," Widmer said. That measure provides qualifying seniors with up to $900 in abatements.
"In the end, I think the [proposed exemption] is divisive," Widmer said. "Seniors are part of the community. An override should seek the support of the whole community and not peel off a certain part of it. And everybody should carry the burden of the override equally, based on the value of their properties."
In Bridgewater, override failures in June and September last year caused the town to virtually close down its public library and greatly reduce senior services this year.
"Anything that gives the seniors a little bit of relief is great," said Lorraine Carrozza, Bridgewater's director of elder affairs. "I see a lot of seniors that are worried about spiraling costs. I think the provision would also give overrides a better chance."
Marilee Hunt, a longtime volunteer on several committees and a candidate for Bridgewater selectman, has been a strong proponent of the town's past overrides. But Hunt said she is concerned for all people living on limited incomes, not just seniors, when it comes to increased taxes. An exemption should address all segments.
"There are single moms and families who don't make $60,000," Hunt said. "Some seniors that fall into that income bracket aren't paying mortgages, while families in the same bracket have to pay for their houses. . . . I'm concerned it would pit one group against another."
In Randolph, parent Jack Smolokoff sees some merit to the exemption. Randolph voters will consider $6.1 million in overrides on April 1, partly aimed at bolstering schools that teeter on the brink of a state takeover.
"I think it couldn't be a better idea," Smolokoff said. "It could be the only thing that saves the override. The people who vote against it are generally on fixed incomes."
Barbara Anderson, executive director of Citizens for Limited Taxation, pointed out this isn't the first time such a proposal has come out of the House.
"We know the intent of this bill is to keep seniors home so they don't vote," Anderson said. In a recent memo to the Senate, Anderson said the bill "is intended to get more overrides passed, raising property taxes on working families, homeowners with giant mortgages, and under-65s on fixed incomes."
Citizens for Limited Taxation will watch the progress of the proposal closely, Anderson said.
"We don't like this, and I don't think the Senate does, either," Anderson said. "But we have already contacted the Patrick administration and have a commitment to talk to him if this thing does pass."
Anderson's aim, at that point, would be to persuade Patrick to veto the measure.
Christine Legere can be reached at christinelegere@yahoo.com.
