PUBLIC HEARING of the Town Council held Wednesday, March 14, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Town Building, Harrisville for and within the Town of Burrillville.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
Relative to the Tax Exemption for Disabled Person.
At the request of Council President Wallace F. Lees, Walter J. Kane, town solicitor, reviewed the provisions of the ordinance, which are as follows:
The Town Council of the Town of Burrillville hereby ordains as follows:
Chapter XVI of the General Ordinances of the Town of Burrillville
Title Tax Exemption for Disabled Person
16.1 Authority: This ordinance is enacted pursuant to the authority granted to the Town of Burrillville by R.I.G.L. Section 44-3-35.
16.2 Grant of Exemption:
The Town Council of the Town of Burrillville hereby grants an exemption of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) on assessed value from local taxation on residential property for any person who is:
1. Determined by the social security administration to be totally disabled;
2. Owns a single family residential property for a period of one year next prior to the filing of an application for taxation;
3. Occupies as his or her legal domicile, the residential property for which an exemption is being applied;
4. This exemption is in addition to any other tax exemption provided under any other acts or ordinances of the Town of Burrillville; and
5. The exemption is not allowed unless the person entitled to it has presented to the tax assessor on or before the last day in which sworn statements may be filed with the assessor for the year for which the exemption is claimed, evidence that he or she is entitled to the exemption.
16.3 This ordinance shall take effect upon passage.
Walter J. Kane explained that there is a provision in the General Laws that allows exemptions to be automatically modified when there is a revaluation, this exemption will be worth $5,400.00. There is an unofficial agreement that the time to apply for the exemption will be extended to April 1st or April 15th, if the resident meets all criteria. He stated that the exemption must be filed annually.
Charles Reilly stated that in previous discussions, it was mentioned that the exemption might go up to $7,200. He requested a timeframe for this adjustment. Mr. Kane replied that the Town Council has agreed to look at all exemptions and sponsor legislation next year to bring uniformity to exemptions offered by the Town. He could not say what would be the end result of this review.
Tim Barry of Lee Circle asked whether other towns in the State had a similar exemption. Mr. Kane said that they vary considerably between cities and towns, but that, for example, Glocester and North Smithfield both have exemptions that are more generous than Burrillville s proposed ordinance.
VOTED to move passage of the ordinance.
Councilor Edward F. Bonczek recused for personal reasons. Council President Wallace F. Lees recused and turned the meeting over to Vice President Jacqueline Zahn.
Motion by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. Seconded by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. The vote was five in favor, two recusals, none opposed. Voting in favor were Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, William A. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville. Councilors Edward F. Bonczek and Wallace F. Lees recused.
VOTED to adjourn at 7:07 p.m.
Motion by Councilor Louis Bleiweis. Seconded by Councilor William E. Gonyea. The vote was unanimous. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Louis Bleiweis, Edward F. Bonczek, William E. Gonyea and Norman C. Mainville.
Information relating to the public hearing is on file with the record of the minutes. The hearing was taped and the tape is on file with the record of the minutes.
Recorded by
Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk
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