EASTHAMPTON — The Council on Aging is accepting applications for 20 positions available in the city’s Senior Tax Work-off program.
Easthampton homeowners who are 60 or older and who meet income eligibility guidelines are encouraged to apply for positions in city departments, said Council on Aging Director Cindy Tarail. Seniors who qualify will receive a reduction in their 2023 real estate property tax bill.
The city approved a three-year pilot of the program last year. Nine seniors worked various jobs for the Police Department, the Council on Aging, the Parks and Recreation Department, and Human Resources.
Tarail said seniors tackled rail trail maintenance, clerk duties, gardening and crossing guard responsibilities. One worker assisted with helping maintain COVID-19 precautions, which included cleaning the fitness equipment and high-touch surfaces at the Senior Center.
“The Council on Aging absolutely depends on volunteers, Friends of the Council on Aging and contributions, and tax work-off workers are contributing a tremendous amount of work,” Tarail said. “It takes all of those things to keep the COA running and providing the level of service that it does.”
With the second round, the city is looking to fill 20 positions. Tarail said that while there may be several departments that could take part in the program, positions that are created need to include a means to adequately supervise the seniors.
Eligible applicants can have an individual maximum gross income of $57,190 and a combined couples maximum annual gross income of $65,360, both of which include Social Security benefits. Also, participants’ property tax payments must be up to date, and the program is limited to one participant per household.
Participants will receive a $1,500 credit on the property taxes of their primary residence for working a maximum of 105.25 hours between May 1 and Oct. 31.
During last year’s cycle, Tarail said, she received a number of applications that were incomplete or ineligible.
“If people aren’t chosen this time that are eligible, the third round of applications will open on Nov. 1 with a work start date of Jan. 1,” she said. “So it won’t be long until you can try again.”
Interested seniors can pick up applications at the Easthampton Senior Center, at 19 Union St., or find them online at easthamptonma.gov under the Council on Aging tab.
Applications will be considered as they arrive with positions being filled this month, according to a press release from the city. All applications will be reviewed first for completeness and second for eligibility. Applications will be accepted until Monday, May 30.
For more information, contact Tarail at 413-527-6151 ext. 134, or ctarail@easthamptonma.gov.
