Article 77

WATER AND SEWER RATE DISCOUNT PROGRAM

Section 1               Purpose, Applicability

The Selectmen shall determine the percentage of discount to be applied to the Water and Sewer Rate charges of certain person’s age sixty-five or over who own and occupy the dwelling receiving water and sewer services.

Section 2               Qualifications, Basic Requirements

The Board of Assessors shall annually certify a list of qualified persons who meet the criteria for assets and income established for real estate tax exemptions under Clauses 17D and 41C of Section 5 of Chapter 59 of the Massachusetts General Laws. The discount shall apply to those bills issued in the name of such person during the term of such certification. In the event that a person certified here-under sells the dwelling such certification shall terminate as of the date of the sale.

Section 3               Determination of Eligibility, Certification

Water and sewer users who own and inhabit dwellings and choose to apply for such tax exemption and are approved by the Board of Assessors shall be certified as eligible for this discount program. The certification by the Board of Assessors shall continue until the date which is the statutory deadline for application for such tax exemption for the next successive tax year.

Section 4               Alternate Application Procedure, Duration

Water and sewer users who own and inhabit dwellings who qualify for either such tax exemption referred to in Section 2 above and who meet the asset test under Clause 41C of Section 5 of Chapter 59 of the Massachusetts General Laws, but for whatever reason, choose not to apply for either such tax exemption may apply to the Board of Assessors for eligibility certification. The Board of Assessors shall provide forms for application and shall within thirty (30) days determine whether such applicant is eligible. The effective date of certification shall be the approval date by the Board of Assessors and shall continue for a period of up to one year; provided however, that all such certifications shall terminate on June 30 of each year.

Section 5               Issuance of Discount

Whenever the Board of Assessors certify that a water and sewer user is eligible for this discount program, the Board shall forthwith so notify the Water and Sewer Division. Upon receipt of the notice the Water and Sewer Division shall take the necessary steps to reduce the bills issued to such water and sewer user.