Haverhill military veterans may be seeing a reduction in their city taxes.
Last night, the Haverhill City Council’s Administration and Finance Committee heard from veteran’s advocate Donald R. Jarvis who proposed a plan whereby veterans could deduct up to $1,500 from their property taxes by performing public service.
“There are many needs and tasks that can be carried out by these veterans that aren’t already being addressed through city work. This program would allow a veteran who is able bodied, who wants to be part of the community and give back to the community to save additional money on their property tax,” he explained.
Jarvis cited a program in Newbury where veterans have been cleaning and restoring local cemeteries.
Haverhill already has a similar program in place for senior citizens where they can work up to 125 hours per year at minimum wage for an equivalent deduction from their taxes. That program works on a first-come, first-served basis, which would likely be the case for the veterans as well.
Calling it a great idea, the committee voted unanimously to send the proposal to the full City Council with a recommendation for passage. If approved, the program would likely begin in 2022.