AUBURN – A property tax rebate program could be aimed at seniors and low income residents, councilors said Monday.

But any decisions on an Auburn property tax circuit breaker could wait until December, when a newly elected City Council is in office.

“I would recommend the new council get this as early as possible in December, so they can have it ready to go next March when they vote on their budget,” said Councilor Ellen Peters.

The state program offers tax relief based on the percentage of a taxpayer’s income in comparison to the amount of property tax or rent they pay annually. They can receive up to $2,000 in rebates.

Residents would have to qualify for the state program to get rebates from the city. City Assessor Cheryl Dubois said the council could put other requirements on the program – limiting the rebate to people 70-years-old or older, for example, or people who have been Auburn residents for more than 10 years.

The city would collect property taxes as usual, putting a share of the revenues aside. Property taxpayers would be allowed to apply to receive a share of that revenue based on their income and the amount of taxes they’ve paid.

The result would be higher taxes across the city at first for both homeowners and businesses. Some homeowners would see a break later on, however.

Councilors first need to decide how much money they’ll set aside for rebates. For example, setting aside $960,000 allows the city to give select residents up to $445 in rebates. Tax bills throughout the city would increase by $65, however. That includes businesses and rental properties.

Dubois said she’d rather see the city set aside a smaller amount, giving smaller rebates to fewer residents.

Ron Potvin, one of two candidates for the two at-large City Council seats, urged councilors to create the program because it gives homeowners a break.

“I call it a TIF for homeowners,” Potvin said. “We’ve done a lot to support businesses and this lets them give a little bit back.”

But Councilor Bruce Bickford was more skeptical. Bills for all taxpayers will increase, but only a portion will see a rebate.

“And everyone is paying too much in taxes anyway,” he said. “I’d be real, real cautious before we move ahead with anything like this.”