TRUMBULL — A property tax freeze program for senior homeowners was approved unanimously Monday by the Town Council.
The amendment to the town code still needs to be reviewed by the Board of Finance.
"This council has already passed two other tax relief programs that are very good for the town," council Majority Leader Thomas Christiano, D-5, said. "This last piece was important to me and [Steven Lupien, R-1]."
The tax freeze would be available to residents older than 70 whose adjusted gross income does not exceed $50,000.
The other two programs in place are a tax deferral, which places a lien on the property, and a tax credit.
Christiano said eligible homeowners could only participate in one of the three programs at a time.
As with the existing programs, residents have to re-apply for the tax freeze every two years. When approved for a particular homeowner, property taxes are frozen at the amount due the following tax year.
The council amended the program at the request of Assessor Ross Murray, adding a sunset clause.
If the council does not take action otherwise, the freeze program will end Oct. 1, 2011.
"This gives the tax assessor the ability to determine the actual costs to the town," Chairman Mark Altieri, D-5, said. "It would be up to the council to extend it."
Murray said if the program is found to be working, the council could either extend the program or remove the time limit all together.
According to figures provided by Murray, an estimated 25 residents would be eligible.
It would cost the town $240 per participant in its second year.
Genevieve Reilly, who covers Trumbull, can be reached at 330-6256.
