Council endorses local tax‑relief policy to extend exemption for Social Security‑certified 100% disabled homeowners

The Bristol City Council voted to adopt a policy extending local property‑tax relief to homeowners who are 100% disabled as certified by the U.S. Social Security Administration, referring the program to the Board of Finance for implementation.

Assessor Tom Donato told the council the benefit would mirror an existing senior exemption program (65+ with residency and income limits) and that approximately 156 households could qualify under the expanded rule. Donato estimated full participation would cost the city about $78,000; Controller Diane said there are encumbered funds set aside from earlier tax‑relief planning that can cover the cost, so the mayor said the change would not affect the mill rate.

The mayor encouraged residents to check other relief programs as well, including renters’ rebates and veteran exemptions. The council moved and approved the policy referral; final program rules and administrative steps will be set by the Board of Finance and the assessor’s office.

The measure as discussed sets a policy direction; it does not itself change the assessor’s rules or immediately grant exemptions — those administrative steps and eligibility verification will follow the Board of Finance review and any implementing resolutions.