Senior Citizen Work-Off Abatement Program
June 4, 2013
Mayor Daniel Rizzo is happy to announce the implementation of the Senior Citizen Work-Off Abatement Program for 2013. The program allows for 50 seniors to work for a $500 property tax deduction and another 50 seniors to work for a $500 water bill reduction.
“This program serves two purposes for us in city government,” commented Mayor Rizzo. “First, it provides some much needed relief for our seniors, many of whom are on fixed incomes, faced with the burden of paying local property taxes and water bills. Second, this volunteer program will allow City Hall to provide even better services to the public utilizing the terrific skills and talents of our seniors.”
The “Senior Citizen Work-Off Abatement Program” will allow up to one hundred (100) seniors to work a total of 62 ½ hours within various departments of City Hall that require assistance. They will work for an hourly wage of $8 per hour, but rather than receiving a check every week, they will earn a $500 abatement on their property taxes or water bills.
In order to qualify for the program, Revere residents must be at least 60 years of age, hold a primary residence in Revere, and have an ownership interest in that residence. Last year, the City Council has added income limitations for applicants. In order to apply, individuals can have an income of no greater than $45,000 annually. The limit for married couples is $55,000.
Abatements received under this program will be in addition to any other exemptions for which the senior is eligible. Abatements earned under this program will not be considered income or wages for the purpose of state income tax withholdings, unemployment compensation or worker’s compensation.
Applications will be available in the Mayor’s office on Monday, June 3, 2013. Applications must be completed and returned to the Mayor’s Office by the deadline date of Monday, July 6, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. No applications will be accepted beyond July 6st. If necessary, a public lottery will be held in the City Council Chamber on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. for the purpose of selecting participants.
“The City of Revere, and our country overall, owes the seniors of this generation a great deal of gratitude. Although I don’t believe that we can ever fully repay this debt, I hope that this program is a continuing step in the right direction” stated Mayor Rizzo.
For more information regarding the “Senior Citizen Work-Off Abatement Program,” feel free to contact the Mayor’s Office at 781-286-8111.