How many hours do they have to put in?

Guest, they will be credited at minimum wage, which I believe is presently $7.25 per hour. So to reach the maximum abatement of $750, they would need to volunteer about 104 hours per year.

Great program -- it has worked very successfully in other communities.

How many people in Tewksbury over 60??? Are relatives of public employees going to be picked????How do you get inline for the program??? Who do you call to get on the list???

The final details of the application process are still being worked out. What I can tell you is what was in the story. All of the jobs will be listed with a job description. From there it is first-come first-served.

Our town government is very generous. They increased my Dad’s taxes by $421.00 last year. He’s 92 and living on a fixed income. But with a little luck, maybe he’ll be one of 33 seniors allowed to mop the halls of the new high school and earn a $750 deduction. Hopefully his wheelchair won’t be a deterrent.

BJ,

I certainly understand your frustration with the taxes for your Dad. I know that our Town Manager, Mr. Montouri, and his team are looking at ways to ease the tax burden on all of the residents, especially our seniors. I’m not sure that the plan was to have your father “mop the floors” but I do think that he could provide so much value if he spent time talking with high school seniors about his life experiences. There isn’t a price tag that the town could put on that kind of coaching and feedback. I’m sure the School Committee would be open to that as well.

Absolutely Jim ... I've seen these programs work terrifically well in other towns. Also BJ, put in a call to the Tax Collector and make sure that your dad is taking advantage of every credit and abatement he is eligible for. You might be surprised how much can be knocked off that property tax bill.

Minimum wage ??!!! Are you kidding ??? What an INSULT to people who have worked most of their life ! I read there is only a certain amount of money...once it runs out people have to re apply the next year. Well I hope they put in some sort of list so the same person doesnt get chosen 2 years in a row. Minimum wage...INSULTING . ( I am not a senior in case any are wondering )

Hello:

Some people try to move things ahead - thank you Jim W., Sean C., Jerry S. et al.
Some people sit back, do nothing, and complain, complain, complain - to you I say- If you think things can be better start working to make it so.

And by the way - I am 60 tears old and have more than 25 years experience working with at-risk kids. I would be willing to work at minimum wage to help out and to reduce my tax bill. Should I be disqualified because I am related to a town official?

Bob Rauseo

BJ, you actually bring up a good point that has legal ramifications. If all the jobs require physical labor, people with disabilities would be excluded from being able to receive the tax credit. I am unsure how the Americans with Disabiliities Act would apply to this program but I would think the town would have to make reasonable accommodations.

I'm willing to work on the Whipple road bridge for minimum wage. How about everyone over 60 in town gets paid to work on it. I'm sure it would get done Faster and cost Less than what the decision makers in typical Massachusetts fashion have done over 2 1/2 years!!!! Still Nothing happening on it, and isn't it supposed to be done by November???