SERVICES TO SENIORS COMMITTEE

The Services to Seniors Committee Meeting was held on March 21, 2007 at 1:06 p.m. with co-chairs Slavin and Russell presiding. Members present were Mr. Hicks, Ms. Johnson, Ms. Massey, Dr. Matthews, Ms. Pohlmann, and Mr. Stephens. Mr. Hare was absent.

Agenda Additions/ Deletions

Mr. Slavin requested the addition of item #2, Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption Project (hand-out) and item # 3, Discussion of Possible Recommendations.

Mr. Hicks move for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Ms. Johnson and unanimously carried.

Approval of Minutes – March 21, 2007

Mr. Hicks moved for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Services to Seniors Committee Meeting of February 9, 2007, seconded by Ms. Matthews and unanimously carried.

Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption Discussion

Mr. Slavin indicated the City of Dover does offer a property tax exemption for seniors; however, there is a cap on the income limit. The income limit is $15,000 for an individual and $21,000 for a couple. This includes all income except Social Security and railroad pension. The Tax Assessor is requesting a deduction of $6,000 for medical insurance be deducted off the total income for applicants. They have found that many senior citizens just miss the exemption by a small margin. A lot of the applicants have gone back to work, just for medical benefits, which put them over the limit. The committee would like to have the Tax Assessor, Mr. Capuano, and Councilman McGiffin come and make a presentation and answer any questions the committee may have (see Attachment #1).

In response to Ms. Mathews, Mr. Slavin indicted the program is similar to the County’s but it has a different income caps than the County’s program.

Discussion of Possible Recommendations

Mr. Slavin indicated at this particular stage of the listening sessions, it would be helpful for the committee to pause in the gathering of information and have a discussion on the possible recommendations to submit to Council by the latter part of April. The floor was opened up for possible recommendations (see Attachment #2).

Next Meeting Dates and Times, Meeting Format, Etc.

The meeting dates will be discussed on a meeting to meeting basis. The next meeting has been scheduled for April 4, 2007 at 1:00 p.m., at Council Chambers to prioritize recommendations and for presentations from the City’s Tax Assessors Office as well as the State of Delaware, Division on Aging.

Mr. Stephens moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Hicks and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 2:04 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Sophia R. Russell and Timothy A. Slavin

Co-Chairs

SR/jg

Attachments to Original and File Copy

Attachment #1 - Senior Citizen Exemption Project

Attachment #2 - Recommendations for Council