[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of West Springfield as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 11-8-2000 by Ord. No. 145; amended by Ord. No. 146 (Ch. 6, § 6-700, of the Codified Ordinances)]
Senior and veteran tax work-off abatements are available pursuant to MGL c. 59, §§ 5K and 5N. Tax abatements shall be available beginning Fiscal Year 2017. Volunteer services must be performed before a work-off abatement check will be issued in any year.
The total number of annual abatements shall not exceed 40.
A. 
In order to be eligible for this abatement program the applicant must:
(1) 
Be 60 years of age or older at the time the application for the work-off abatement is filed or a veteran as defined by MGL c. 4, § 7, clause forty-third;
(2) 
Be an owner or deeded life tenant of the property for which said abatement is requested;
(3) 
Apply for said abatement program each year that he/she wishes to be considered for participation;
(4) 
Possess the minimum qualifications for the available positions; and
(5) 
Not be currently employed by the Town.
B. 
Preference shall be given to the most qualified candidate for the position.
C. 
Only one abatement per household.
Any person performing volunteer services under this article shall be paid for said services at a rate per hour equal to the minimum wage in effect in this commonwealth at the time services are performed. Said payment, including all required deductions, shall not exceed 125 hours per fiscal year. Said check shall be endorsed payable to the Town of West Springfield by the senior or veteran and shall be applied to the tax on said senior's residence for the fiscal year in which the services were performed. All work must be completed by November 30 of each year.
The Human Resources Director, subject to Executive Order 104, may adopt rules and regulations for the implementation and operation of this article, including but not limited to the following:
A. 
The types of work or services said volunteers shall perform;
B. 
The hours when said services shall be performed;
C. 
Procedures for overseeing said volunteers; and
D. 
Record-keeping procedures to be used to establish the amount of the abatement; and
E. 
Requirements for continued participation in the program once accepted.
The following language must be added to all information relative to the senior and veteran rebate regarding property tax: "Please be aware that participation in this program may affect your eligibility or rights under other Town, state, federal or local programs. You may wish to contact the West Springfield Council on Aging or other appropriate representative for further clarification."