Town of East Hampton
Public Hearing
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
Minutes
PUBLIC HEARING: Senior Tax Ordinance
Present: Chairperson Melissa Engel, Vice Chairman Thomas Cordeiro and members, Christopher Goff, John Tuttle and Susan Weintraub. Also present were Town Manager Jeffery O’Keefe, Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois, members of Boards and Commissions, citizens and members of the press.
Not Present: William Devine and Scott Minnick
Call to order: Chairperson Engel called the Public Hearing to order at 6:00 p.m.
Town Manager, Jeffery O’Keefe, provided a background on the work of the Senior Tax Initiative Task Force. Ms. Weintraub provided an overview of the Ordinance Concerning Property Tax Freeze Relief for Certain Elderly Homeowners. The ordinance would freeze property taxes to qualified seniors. The increase amounts each year would be deferred to when the estate of the individual is settled or when the property is sold. A lien would be held on the property at 0% interest. Currently 80 homeowners qualify for the state program. Education materials would be provided to see if more individuals in the community would qualify. The program is voluntary.
Public Remarks:
Art Marsden, 32 Meeks Point Road, commented that it doesn’t seem as though the town is giving up anything. The tax freeze puts the burden on the heir. The town should take away the tax and not put the burden on the family.
Judy Parenteau, Wildwood Lane and member of the Senior Tax Initiative task force, commented that the task force worked hard to put together the program. The program for $10,000 was not approved by the Board of Finance. She felt this would have helped more than the freeze program. She commented that many seniors in town are struggling to pay their taxes and food and medication. Any small amount will help. Although she doesn’t like the idea of a lien on property, this program to put a lien on the home was the alternative that could help the seniors.
Alice Stelzer, 5 Waterview Circle, asked about the lien – what if the family has trouble selling the home when the time comes to pay off the lien amount.
Mary Ann Dostaler, 56 William Drive, thanked the Senior Tax Initiative task force for their work on the proposals brought forward. The amount of money is inconsequential to the town but means everything to the individuals that can save the money on a yearly basis and hopes the Council takes positive action on the ordinance.
JoAnn Ewing, Senior Center Director, commented that there are individuals that are in need and are making decisions of whether to buy food or medications and taxes make it more difficult. She noted the lien bothers the seniors but some are to the point where they have no choice. People want to stay in their homes.
Ivy Maurice, Mallard Cove, noted that we advocate for seniors to stay in their homes and if this ordinance is a way to make that happen then it should be approved.
Art Marsden, 32 Meeks Point Road, commented on a program that used to be in effect in North Stonington that froze a senior’s taxes at a certain age but didn’t put a lien on the property. Donna Ralston, Tax Assessor, noted that the program is no longer available.
Miriam Scranton, Hog Hill Road, commented that she would do without before putting a lien on her property.
JoAnn Ewing, Senior Center Director, had a comment from Fran Jacobson of 4 Whittier Road that noted that the property tax program won’t have a large impact on the town but will impact the citizens that can be aided.
Nelson Maurice, Mallard Cove, noted that the ordinance should be passed and see how many people sign up.
Chairperson Engel closed the public hearing at 6:24 p.m.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Goff, to adjourn the Public Hearing at 6:25 p.m. Voted (5-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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