Aug 30, 2008 5:51 pm US/Eastern
Braintree Offers Veterans Property Tax Break
BRAINTREE (WBZ) ―
In 2005, Barry Beaudoin began a year's deployment in Kuwait with the Army National Guard.
"Luckily when I was overseas, because of my rank, my pay was comparable," said Beaudoin. "But a lot of other people, their pay was not comparable and it's a hardship on those families."
In Braintree, where veteran memorials line a walkway in front of the town hall, officials have found a new way to help with that hardship on the home front. Some National Guard and Reserve members who've been sent overseas between 2002 and the present will receive property tax exemptions for the time of their deployment.
"This was a way that Braintree and its town meeting could put something tangible together for these families who are being called up," said town councilor Dan Clifford.
To qualify, guard and reserve members must be able to answer yes to these two questions: Did you earn less oney on deployment than you would have on your civilian job? And, do you own property in Braintree?
Town councilor Dan Clifford says the town can afford it.
"Retroactively, just under $100,000."
Barry and Trish Beaudoin don't yet know if they'll get a refund, but they applaud the idea.
"It will come in handy for a lot of people, I think it's great. It shows the town supports the troops," said Trish.
Said her staff sergeant husband, "I think every town should do this for their soldiers."
Beaudoin says money is not why he chooses to serve, but he recognizes the value of giving families at home one less bill to pay.
The benefit becomes available on Sept. 16. Guard and Reserve member who have been deployed overseas between 2002 and the present should contact the
Braintree Veterans Services Office to find out if they qualify.
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