City Council Approves Senior Tax Work-Off Program

The City Council Monday night approved adoption of a senior citizen tax work-off program, which enables qualifieid residents 60 and older to work off part of their annual property tax bill. 

The city adopted the state law enabling the program and added a lengthy list of its own regulations and procedures. 

Councilor Joseph Delano said parameters were put in place to ensure that the program is open and fair to all. 

"We want to make sure that in the future, it doens't become a jobs-for-friends program," he said. 

Seniors can earn a maxmium of $1,000 per year toward their taxes. Jobs pay the state minimum wage and the city hopes to make 25 positions available during the first year. 

Also last night, the council announced the adoption of Blackboard Connect as a citywide communication platform to be used during power outages, storms and other emergencies. 

Residents will soon be able to sign up for the service on the city's Web page and will be able to choose how to be notified by the city--by text message, email or phone call.