At Easton’s Special Town Meeting on Monday, March 25, voters did not approve the 2024 Tax Relief for the Elderly Ordinance. Easton has always helped its senior citizens, and we will continue to do so. It failed to be approved due to a misunderstanding over the proposed ordinance’s effect on seniors’ eligibility for the program. I want to assure members of the public that this does not mean that Easton’s seniors are currently without this critical tax relief. It means that the 2021 Tax Relief for the Elderly Ordinance and the current rules are still in effect.
However, the 2024 Tax Relief for the Elderly Committee recommendations have not been adopted. This committee met six times over the past three months to review the property tax relief offered to Easton seniors over the past three years. The net effect of the proposals made by the committee would have increased the amount of tax relief offered to Easton’s seniors and added an additional amount for those seniors most in need. The proposed ordinance had unanimous and bipartisan support from the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance.
Easton’s seniors have suffered from the recent inflation and rising cost of living in Fairfield County. Everything from energy and heating costs to grocery prices have increased exponentially. It is critical that we pass an updated Tax Relief for the Elderly Ordinance. The Board of Selectmen will now reconstitute a new Tax Relief for the Elderly Committee that will meet to study and make new recommendations. After going through the procedural requirements, a new proposed ordinance would be brought before Easton voters at a Town Meeting.
Easton’s Town Meetings are an important and vital part of our town’s governance. However, with this power comes responsibility. I strongly urge more of Easton’s voters to attend our Town Meetings and to educate themselves on the issues to participate in this cherished form of democracy. I look forward to seeing you there.
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