Wayland assessors keep senior tax programs unchanged after state increases

WAYLAND — January 22, 2024 — Wayland Board of Assessors declines to expand local senior tax relief despite doubled state benchmarks. Meeting remotely Jan. 22 with three of five members present, the board voted 3-0 to acknowledge but not match Gov. Maura Healey's increase in the senior circuit breaker credit from $1,200 to $2,400, and 3-0 to leave the senior tax work-off program unchanged after a state Informational Guideline Release raised the cap to $2,000. Director of Assessing Rob said Council on Aging Director Julie Secord and Finance Director Brian Keveney concurred that "modifications to the town of Wayland's existing program are not necessary." Wayland's work-off benefit, tied to 125 hours at minimum wage, came to $1,875 for 2024. The office has logged 12 real estate abatement applications ahead of the Feb. 1 deadline, and NSTAR Electric withdrew its fiscal 2022 Appellate Tax Board case against the town on Jan. 3.