There is no way to predict what is coming down the road tomorrow, next year, or decades to come; a crystal ball would be handy when the realities of living collide.newtown-ct.gov website, or by calling 203-270-4240. As imperfect as it may seem at this time, it does address the concerns of a certain population.

For many senior citizens, aging in place is desirable. Remaining in a familiar home and community, close to friends and family, has positive benefits for the elderly, as well as the physically challenged. Finding ways to balance a budget with increasing costs of living - including property taxes - is a challenge, though.

Newtown does have an Elderly and Totally Disabled Tax Relief Program. Yet surprisingly, the money allotted for this service has not been completely utilized in recent years. The town allots $1.65 million in the municipal budget for the program. This past year, there were 22 fewer applicants for the Newtown four-tiered elderly and disabled tax credit program in 2016 than previously, and not quite a quarter-million dollars was left in the kitty.

Why more residents do not take the town up on its offer may hinge on various elements of the program, as well as personal pride on the part of some of Newtown's older or disabled citizens.

The Legislative Council Ordinance Committee has solicited public input on the program this past year; but any proposed changes required Board of Finance input. Minor adjustments to current program elements were the option of either board. The Board of Finance, in January, suggested that a more comprehensive look at the program and some innovative changes could be put into play - but not in time to for this benefit period.

With the Board of Finance not recommending minor adjustments, and bumping up against a time line, the Legislative Council voted February 15 to make no changes to the tax relief program this year. This leaves those who are uncomfortable with aspects of the program or are currently unqualified - but still looking for relief that will allow them to remain productive residents of the town - no better off this tax season. It is unfortunate that ideas for a program that could be embraced by a larger segment of that population must wait, but the silver lining may be that additional time will give town officials the opportunity to revamp the program into one more widely used. Board of Finance members may be on the right track in pursuing new ideas beyond tweaking the current program.

Unexpected health emergencies or changes in living circumstances, compounded with high taxes, can result in enormous financial burden for the elderly and disabled, no matter what the normal financial situation.

The deadline to file for the Elderly and Totally Disabled Tax Relief Program for Newtown homeowners this year is May 15. Qualification information can be found at the

Meanwhile, we support the wisdom of pursuing multiple solutions to address this tax program, so that all of our residents can stay in their homes, in our town. The value in that takes no crystal ball to discern.