Barrington Town Manager Phil Hervey said officials are currently investigating ideas for tax break programs for seniors. 

Hervey challenged the plan pitched by Allan Klepper — he said officials in Barrington determined that the Spencer Trust was not eligible for the micro-reverse mortgage program, but there are some other possible options. 

“There’s certain ways to do this,” Hervey said. “I did some research. One option would be a tax deferment program. Residents of a certain minimum age, certain minimum number of years that they’ve owned the property, can have their taxes… the increase in taxes… you can defer it.”

Hervey said East Greenwich offers a similar program. 

“I think a good comparable is East Greenwich where they defer it but with no interest. Once a property is sold or that kind of a thing, it (the deferred taxes) would come back to the town. They don’t charge interest on that,” he said, adding that local officials are still studying the details. 

“I think they absorb it in their budget because I don’t think the total number is that much. Even though they make it available to people over 65 and I think a five-year minimum of owning the property. Even with all that, I don’t think it’s that much.”

When asked to comment on Klepper’s proposed senior tax break plan, Hervey said “a micro-reverse mortgage, with interest being charged? I don’t know. Is there a way to develop this program where it could be eligible for using Spencer Trust? I don’t know.”

As for a tax deferment program similar to that of East Greenwich, Hervey said the town would need to have special legislation passed. In the meantime, Barrington does offer some tax breaks to older residents, Hervey said. 

Hervey said Klepper’s work researching ways to contact older residents is important work. 

“What’s the best way to reach them and engage with them once we have some idea about what we’re talking about, exactly what this program might look like?” Hervey said. 

“…It requires analysis and more discussion and more input from people. We’re working on it. We’re trying to figure out what it might look like.”