An ordinance that the town will be asked to consider at the Special Town meeting is the Tax-exempt handicapped vehicle ordinance. The purpose of this ordinance is to give tax relief to our neighbors with
disabilities. We recognize that some of our neighbors have serious disabilities which significantly affect their mobility. Often, they require significant and costly modifications to their motor vehicles to make them mobile such as lifts and special controls. Some vehicles in town are valued at $15-$20K.
Many towns exempt one motor vehicle per family from taxation as a way to help the people of their towns deal with the already trying circumstances brought on by the disability of a loved one. The selectmen believe that Easton should provide the same assistance to those families that are affected. The proposed ordinance exempts one vehicle per family which is modified for the transport of a family member with a disability.
Some have asked what this would cost the town. “I have mixed feelings as to whether this really should be part of the consideration for enacting this ordinance, but if it affects 10 families and the average cost of the vehicle is $50,000, the lost tax revenue to the town would be $11,322.50,” First Selectman David Bindelglass said. “I personally believe this is simply the right thing to do. I urge Easton to pass this ordinance.”
