The town council approved sweeping changes to its senior tax exemptions during the March 5 meeting.

The new tax exemption system offers larger tax breaks for residents who earn less than $69,200 each year, but council member Peter Dennehy is concerned that the town council may be offering more money than some people need. 

Mr. Dennehy, who was the lone "no" vote on the proposed change, suggested a tax exemption structure that would have provided additional tax relief for seniors earning less than $60,585, as opposed to $69,200.

"I am concerned because all the numbers suggest that the applications are going to increase," said Mr. Dennehy, who added that he voted "no" with the understanding that the other council members would vote to approve the change.

In a letter to the editor, Mr. Dennehy wrote: "One lesson I have learned is that once a tax reduction is enacted, it is very difficult to change. I believe we should proceed cautiously until we have a better idea how many low income seniors will apply and what are their incomes."

Mr. Dennehy served on the ad hoc tax exemption committee that proposed the change. Council member Steve Boyajian also served on that committee.

"I think his vote was not about being stingy," Mr. Boyajian said of Mr. Dennehy. "His concern, he's probably correct. Next year, we'll see more applications. We might have the task of re-evaluating the numbers."

But while Mr. Boyajian believes the town may have to revisit the tax exemption figures again next year, he is confident that Barrington can afford the change this year.

"It might be uncomfortable and hard work next year, but that was not a good enough reason to not give someone a great exemption this year," said Mr. Boyajian. 

"I think we're well within what we can afford to do as a town. The current level raises the tax rate about a dime."

The change in the tax exemption structure will result in $836,000 for senior tax relief. That is significantly more than the $547,000 that was extending to senior residents this year. 

The initial decision to change the tax exemption system can be traced to last year's budget cycle. Some older residents told town officials that the never-ending tax increases, coupled with the $68.4 million middle school bond, was going to force them to sell their homes and move out of Barrington.

Officials formed the ad hoc tax exemption committee which decided to increase the amount of tax breaks offered to local elderly residents, depending on their income. Those who earned less would receive larger tax exemptions, while those who earned more would qualify for lesser exemptions.

Some residents opposed the change and also questioned the town's requests for income information. 

Mr. Boyajian said he has seen the opposition wane in recent weeks.

Current credit — Household income — Proposed credit

$3,000 — Up to $17,310 — $3,250

$2,350 — $20,195 — $3,094

$1,700 — $23,080 — $2,938

$1,050 — $26,005 — $2,783

$1,050 — $28,850 — $2,627

$368 — $31,735 — $2,472

$368 — $34,620 — $2,316

$368 — $37,505 — $2,161

$368 — $40,390 — $2,005

$368 — $43,275 — $1,849

$368 — $46,200 — $1,649

$368 — $49,045 — $1,538

$368 — $51,930 — $1,383

$368 — $54,815 — $1,227

$368 — $57,700 — $1,072

$368 — $60,585 — $916

$368 — $63,470 — $761

$368 — $66,355 — $605

$368 — $69,200 — $450

$368 — More than $69,200 — $200