Legislation authorizing the Select Board to offer a senior discount program for water and sewer rates

Petitioner: Select Board

Special Town Meeting, November 2019

When the revised rate structure for FY2020 was reviewed with the Select Board the potential of expanding the availability of the discount offered to senior water uses was explored. The Town would need to file legislation in order provide the discount recommended by the Water and Sewer Director. The intent is to expand the exemption to seniors also enrolled in the Tax Deferral and Senior Work-Off Exemption programs through the Assessing Department. The article would give the Select Board the authority to determine the specific discount offered, which would be voted during the annual rate setting process.

Official Town Meeting Vote	Select Board	Advisory Board
Favorable Action	Favorable Action	Favorable Action
	5-0-0	22-3-3
Final Result: Favorable Action

Community Organization Recommendations

PAX	Green Caucus
Favorable Action

Official Text of the Article

Voted: that the Town votes to authorize and empower the Select Board to file a petition, in substantially the following form, with the General Court:

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF BROOKLINE TO OFFER A SENIOR DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR WATER AND SEWER RATES.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the town of Brookline Select Board may discount fees charged to income eligible residents aged 65 and over for the use of the town's water and sewer system.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.

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