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WILTON, Conn. Low-income seniors and disabled property owners will get a better tax break in the new fiscal year that begins July 1.
But that doesn't guarantee there will be as much of a break beyond fiscal 2011-12.
For the second consecutive year, those eligible for tax credits were facing reduced benefits from the town. And for the second straight year, some residents who applied for a tax deferral could have been frozen out.
But the full, nearly $1.1 million in funds needed for the program were authorized by the Board of Finance at its meeting Tuesday night in Town Hall. That is almost $200,000 more than originally funded for fiscal 2011-12.
The money will come out of the $1.1 million town contingency fund, Chief Financial Officer Sandra Dennies said.
The approval came after vocal appeals from seniors and leaders of a former Wilton panel that recommended more tax relief last year for seniors and the disabled.
"I'm thrilled to have the program fully funded, unlike last year when only partial benefits were available for those eligible," said Jerry Holdridge, a member of the now-defunct Elderly Tax Relief Commission.
Although the selectmen originally allocated $875,000 for the program for fiscal 2011-12, the selectmen decided Monday to ask the finance board to allocate another $100,000. The board went a step further and voted to fully fund the program by approving nearly $200,000 more.
"I'm concerned about people who are at the low end of the economic ladder, that they receive the full tax benefit," said Board of Finance member Lynne Vanderslice. "But this should not set a precedent, and we may have to take a more cautious approach next year."
Ken Dartley, 79, co-founder and vice president of Stay at Home in Wilton, a group devoted to keeping seniors in their homes, said "it's very good news" to have the program fully funded.
Applicants must be 65 or older or be totally disabled and occupy their residence in Wilton for more than 183 days of the year. For tax deferrals, gross income plus Social Security must be less than $75,000.
Tax credits range up to $4,115, with the maximum available for households with incomes of $39,500 and less.
Are you taking part in the tax credit and deferral program? Is it helping you to stay in your Wilton home?
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