Westford Seniors means a property tax exemption signed by Governor Baker

WESTFORD – Governor Charlie Baker signed a house rules petition last week giving Westford the option to establish a means-tested property tax exemption for senior citizens.

The measure aims to lower taxes for many fixed income senior citizens who have faced rapidly rising property taxes in recent years.

The measure, originally proposed by the Senior, Low Income, Disabled Tax Relief (SLIDTR) committee in Westford, was passed by the Westford Town Meeting in October 2018 and petitioned to the Massachusetts legislature for house rules. Rep. Jim Arciero (D) and Senator Ed Kennedy (D) submitted the legislation to the State House.

“We all know that property values ​​and valuations in our city have increased over the past few decades,” Arciero said in a statement. “This new law will give Westford seniors, many of whom have steady incomes, more flexibility to stay in their homes and in our town where they raised their families.”

“Congratulations to the members of the SLIDTR committee for identifying a problem and working hard to develop this program that can help many Westford seniors stay in their homes for many years to come,” said Sen. Kennedy in an explanation.

Westford residents must vote to pass the legislation in the upcoming city elections. Assuming this is the case, the bill applies to Westford residents 65 years or older who use the property as their primary residence and have lived in town for at least 10 years. The exemption also cannot exceed 50% of total assessed taxes, and the program has an asset limit for applicants. The Westford Board of Assessors will administer the program.

Andrea Peraner-Sweet, chairwoman of the Westford Select Board, said in a statement that the Select Board would consider adding the measure as an electoral issue during the May city elections.