BRUNSWICK

The finance committee will meet Thursday to discuss issues identified in a rough draft of a proposed ordinance to provide eligible older residents property tax relief.

Based on direction from the finance committee at a July meeting, town staff continued research on property tax assistance and crafted a concept and general parameters for a program.

Additional consideration is needed in areas such as how to confirm eligibility, including how long a person has been a resident of Brunswick, their age, proof of income and what kind of documentation will be required as proof.

The state tax relief program is based on a 65-and-older qualification, but the finance committee considered requiring applicants be 70 and older.

In July, the committee, in a public meeting, discussed how a program would be funded. Options included donations or appropriation from town money.

In Brunswick in 2015, for residents qualifying for property tax assistance from the state’s property tax fairness program, a total of 242 people were eligible for aid and received an average credit of $291. The state’s program includes renters, but the town’s policy would likely only apply to homeowners.

In Harpswell, residents have to apply for the state program first, and if there is still a balance remaining on their property tax bill, they can apply to the town program as well.

To qualify for the state program, the range of earnings an individual cannot exceed runs from $21,000 to $53,000, depending on marital status and exemption claims. People under age 65 can earn up to $600, and those older than 65 are eligible to receive up to $900.

In July, Brunswick Town Manager John Eldridge recommended capping the program at a certain amount of money and after the money is used for the year, it’s gone.

Finance committee members, including Town Councilors Jane Millette, Alison Harris and Kathy Wilson, said they would also like to see eligibility requirements include criteria on age, how long a resident has lived in town, and only going toward primary residences.

Finance Director Julia Henze said she would like to have full council support to continue working on the proposal.

For the first year the program is implemented, the money will likely be taken from town revenue. The committee is eyeing this program to start in the 2018-19 budget.

The meeting is slated for Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in room 206 in Town Hall.

jlaaka@timesrecord.com

2015 example

• IN BRUNSWICK in 2015, for residents qualifying for property tax assistance from the state’s property tax fairness program, a total of 242 people were eligible for aid and received an average credit of $291.