Monroe Approves Expanded Tax Relief For Elderly, Disabled Residents

MONROE, CT — Monroe officials approved expanded tax relief benefits for elderly and permanently disabled residents during a Town Council meeting Monday night.

The approved ordinance increases the maximum yearly tax reductions available through Monroe’s local relief program across multiple qualifying income tiers.

Under the changes, the maximum tax reduction for the program’s lowest income tier will increase from $1,500 to $1,800 annually, according to ordinance documents reviewed by town officials. Other qualifying tiers also received increases.

During a May 7 Board of Finance meeting, First Selectman Terrence Rooney said officials initially discussed increasing the relief amounts by $250 per tier before ultimately supporting $300 increases instead. Town officials estimated the proposal could have a financial impact between roughly $70,000 and $140,000 annually.

The Town Council approved the proposal unanimously Monday night following debate over whether the increases should be even larger. A proposal to raise the benefit amounts by $600 instead of $300 was voted down before the final ordinance passed.