Lincoln residents who are veterans are invited to apply for a new program that offers abatements on their May property tax bills of up to $1,000 apiece in exchange for working for a town department for up to 125 hours in a year.
Positions available may include receptionist, administrative assistant, program manager, software designer, library assistant, and more. The work schedule of participants will be agreed on by the participant and the town department. Participants must complete their hours by March 31, 2014 to receive an abatement off their May tax bill. Veterans may be of any age, but they or their spouses must own and occupy property in Lincoln on which they pay local property taxes.
The program is similar to the Senior Tax Work-Off Program for residents over age 60 that’s been in place in Lincoln since 2003. Town finance director Colleen Wilkins estimates that about 30 Lincoln residents will participate in the Senior Tax Work-Off Program during the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2013.
Both tax work-off programs were approved for the coming year at Town Meeting in March, which appropriated $5,000 for the veterans’ program and $30,000 for the seniors program (any money that isn’t used is returned to the general fund). The newer veterans program was enabled by passage in 2012 of the Massachusetts VALOR act, which creates increased supports for veteran-owned businesses, Gold Star Families, military children and higher education access in the Commonwealth.
If you’re a veteran and think you qualify, call the Lincoln Council on Aging at 781-259-8811 to request a brochure and application, which asks for information about your interests, skills, and experience so you can be matched with an appropriate position with the town or school administration. You should also attach to the application a copy of your DD214 or discharge papers so the town can verify your veteran status. If you don’t have these papers, the COA will work with you to either obtain them or verify your status another way.
Space and funds are limited, so please apply soon by calling Carolyn Bottum at the Council on Aging at 781-259-8811.
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