The Tolland Town Council on Oct. 28 voted to adopt revisions to Ordinance No. 60, the town's local tax relief program for permanently disabled and senior residents, increasing the program's defined initial benefit to $600 and indexing an income eligibility cap to $10,000 above the Hartford County median-low income level.

Councilors opened a public hearing and heard multiple residents and program advocates in support. Staff described the proposed changes as an increase to a defined-benefit model that retains the existing annual increase (cost-of-living adjustment) while capping the total program benefit at 75% of eligible tax liability and removing certain legal requirements tied to the prior structure.

Supporters at the hearing said the change would provide more immediate, meaningful relief to low-income seniors and permanently disabled residents and could encourage greater participation in the program. Several commenters urged the council to consider additional targeting for the very lowest-income residents and suggested making the increase retroactive so long-term recipients benefit.

Councilors asked staff to confirm mechanics. Town staff said the $600 level would be applied cumulatively to the existing benefit schedule so that additional amounts would be treated as retroactive for current participants under the town's prior approach to grandfathering.

After discussion about participation rates and program sustainability, the council adopted the revisions. The motion passed with one recorded opposition (Councilor Shea). Councilors emphasized the need to revisit participation and impact data in future budget cycles.

The ordinance amendment will be reflected in the town code as revised Ordinance No. 60; staff said the income cap will reset annually using the county median-low income figure provided by the appropriate state agency.