[Ord. of 2-19-08(2)]
The objective of the senior tax relief program is to "freeze"
the real estate taxes of taxpayers who qualify under this program
at their current level, subject to budgetary restrictions set forth
below. This program is intended as an alternate form of tax relief
to the deferral program.
[Ord. of 2-19-08(2)]
Tax relief under the senior tax relief program ends on the date
that the property is sold or transferred, or on the date of death
of the qualifying owner or qualifying spouse, whichever is earlier.
If such sale, transfer or death occurs prior to the filing period,
the benefit shall be removed as of October 1. If such sale, transfer
or death occurs after the filing of an application, the benefit shall
be prorated unless there is a surviving spouse.
[Ord. of 2-19-08(2)]
The total amount of tax relief available under the senior tax
relief program, when combined with such property tax relief for which
such taxpayer may be eligible in accordance with G.S. §§ 12-129b
to 12-129d, inclusive, or § 12-170aa, shall not exceed an
aggregate of 75% of the property tax for which such taxpayer would
be liable but for the benefits under the senior tax relief program
and the state tax relief programs mentioned above in this subsection.
If the aggregate amount of such state and local benefits exceeds said
75% of taxes otherwise due, then the amount of the benefit available
under the senior tax relief program shall be reduced so as to be equal
to the difference between the abatement afforded by such state programs
and 75% of the taxes laid against the taxpayer for such real property.
If benefits received under state programs exceed said 75% of the total
taxes otherwise due, no tax benefit shall be available under the senior
tax relief program.
[Ord. of 2-19-08(2)]
Taxpayers shall be eligible to participate in only one local
tax relief program, i.e., the tax deferral program or the senior tax
relief program. The benefits under either local program shall not
be in lieu of benefits available under any state tax relief program.
Taxpayers participating in the Town's existing senior and disabled
tax relief program will enter the senior tax relief program at the
tax amount they currently pay after relief. Going forward they are
subject to the requirements of the new plan.
[Ord. of 2-19-08(2)]
This article shall be interpreted and applied in a manner that
complements and is consistent with existing state tax relief programs.
The policies and interpretations adopted by the office of policy and
management in construing state tax relief programs shall be utilized
in interpreting and applying the provisions of this article.
[Ord. of 2-19-08(2)]
Any person aggrieved by the action of the Assessor in determining
the amount of relief or in disapproving any such application under
this article may appeal to the Board of Selectmen, in writing, within
14 days after the date of the written notification of the Assessor
on such application. The Board of Selectmen shall promptly consider
such appeal and may grant or deny the relief requested, or make such
other modifications necessary to comply with the article.
[Ord. of 2-19-08(2)]
This article is effective on the October 1, 2006, Grand List
for taxes due and payable on July 1, 2007.