The Town of Braintree Council voted unanimously May 5 to raise the per-household maximum for the Senior Work-Off program from $1,500 to $2,000 and to increase the program cap from $50,000 to $75,000 for FY2026. The motion as introduced cites Chapter 59, Section 5(k) of the Massachusetts General Laws as the authorization for the program.

Director Esmond and Director Biswas described the program as a long-standing municipal option that lets retired residents exchange volunteer hours for property-tax relief. The council heard that the program was fully subscribed in FY25 and that increasing the per-household benefit and program cap would allow more participants and higher per-household relief. Sharmila Biswas and program staff noted that 31 households were participating in the current cycle.

Councilors discussed demand and equitable access. Councilor Flaherty supported the expansion and noted the program's potential to reduce seniors' tax burdens while keeping them engaged in municipal operations and community services. Councilor Maglio and others noted the need to monitor who benefits and urged future follow-up to determine whether the program reaches lower-income or underrepresented seniors.

The council passed the motion, moved by Councilor Flaherty and seconded by Councilor Maglio: "I would move that the Town Of Braintree's Senior work off program as authorized by chapter 59, section 5 k of Massachusetts general law shall increase the annual household cap for reduced tax obligations to $2,000 further that the amount of such reduced property tax obligations shall not exceed $75,000 in fiscal year 20 26, and further that abatements under the senior work off program will be paid from the allowance for abatements and exemptions account." The motion carried with no recorded opposition.

The council directed staff to monitor program enrollment and to report back information on participant demographics and whether the expanded cap changes subscription dynamics.