A Massachusetts Mayor says their city is rolling out a new program designed to help lower-income seniors and disabled people.
A new Springfield fund will provide $1 million in property-tax assistance to homeowners who struggle to pay their bills but don't qualify for the city's current exemption programs.
Here's what to know
Mayor Domenic Sarno said Springfield is opening applications for a property-tax relief program for eligible homeowners who don't qualify for existing tax exemptions, filling a financial-aid gap.
The city said it is focusing on lower-income residents, including seniors and disabled homeowners, who meet certain qualifications based on age, residency, income, and assets, Western Mass News reported.
The fund began with a one-time $1 million transfer from the city's free cash. Springfield said residents and businesses can also make voluntary donations, adding to the money set aside for the effort.
More background
Eligibility requires homeowners to be at least 65, have owned and lived in a Springfield home for two years or more, and meet the city's income and asset limits.
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Homeowners can find applications on the city assessor's website or pick them up at City Hall.
Applications will open on October 13, and close on November 13.
Officials said Springfield has never offered a targeted tax relief program like this. The new fund is for homeowners who still feel the strain of property taxes even though they don't meet the rules for other forms of relief.
Where can I learn more?
These stories highlight how other local and federal officials are tackling homeowner costs, from property-tax credits to home-upgrade rebates.
• In Jackson County, officials approved tax credits for homeowners despite a lawsuit from school districts.
• In Massachusetts, regulators approved a battery site near seniors' homes after neighbors won 100 conditions.
• In North Carolina, residents can tap major upgrade rebate programs aimed at lowering household costs.
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