THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, April 11, 2025 Page 7 Working off taxes Town Meeting Member parlante urges town to create a Senior property Tax Work-Off program for Saugus By Mark E. Vogler P recinct 2 Town Meeting Member Matthew Parlante is reaching out to town offi cials to see if Saugus will establish a program that allows for residents over 60 to volunteer for the town in exchange for property tax reductions. In an email to Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and the Board of Selectmen, Parlante requested “immediate action to implement the Senior Property Tax Work-Off Program,” which was authorized by the state and accepted by a Town Meeting vote in 2014. “Despite the statute being adopted, the program was never operationalized – and I believe now is the time to make it a reality for the benefi t of Saugus seniors,” Parlante wrote. He noted that state permits up to $2,000 in annual abatement, up to 125 hours of volunteer service and the option for a representative to perform the work if the applicant is physically unable. Parlante asked selectmen and the town manager to establish the program immediately using existing authority and to budget funds in the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 overlay account to support the program. If selectmen and Town Meeting want to modernize the original Town Meeting vote, Parlante off ered to assist in drafting a warrant article that formalizes the program structure and annual review process. “This is a meaningful opportunity to support seniors aging in place, reduce fi nancial burdens on fi xed incomes, and strengthen the connection between our residents and local government,” Parlante said. “Other towns such as Revere, Hingham, Andover, Winchester, and Hamilton have successfully implemented similar programs and continue to expand them,” he said. Parlante’s proposal drew a response from Precinct 3 Town Meeting Member Mark V. Sacco Jr., who expressed some concerns. “With Saugus’s large elderly population, this could see overwhelming demand – potentially hundreds or thousands of applicants – driving costs well beyond the overlay account,” Sacco wrote. “That risks a steady tax increase for the rest of the community, especially if we need staff or insurance adjustments to keep up. And if we cap participation to manage that, it wouldn’t just C.H.A.R.M. | FROM PAGE 6 By purchasing a $25 sticker that is valid for the entirety of the season, residents will be permitted to dispose of yard waste and brush at the C.H.a.R.M. Center. The $25 sticker also covers the cost to dispose of hard/rigid plastics at the facility. The C.H.a.R.M. Center accepts CHECKS ONLY, no cash or cards. Please note that the C.H.a.R.M. Center does not accept any household trash or construction materials and debris. The Town of Saugus reserves the right to refuse any material if quantity or quality is questionable. feel unfair by leaving most seniors out – it could still mean higher taxes for everyone, including those excluded seniors, to cover the program’s overhead. Either way, it seems like the broader tax base might take a hit. Parlante responded in an email to Saco, noting that some communities like Revere use a lottery system, 50 applicants for water and 50 applicants for tax bill abatement. “We can use other cities’ and towns’ programs as guidance as well as getting creative here in Saugus,” Parlante told Saco. If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR Go to https://www.saugus-ma.gov/solid-waste-recycling-department and click on “Recycling Guide” for a comprehensive list of items that are accepted or not accepted at the C.H.a.R.M. Center, in addition to guidelines for how to prepare different items for disposal at the facility. The C.H.a.R.M. Center will remain open on Wednesdays and Saturdays through the season, when the center will close for the winter. Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Scott A. Brazis at 781231-4036 with any questions. STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available
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