Snow removal to tax breaks: Summit County benefits every senior should know

Photo: Nov 2019 -Thanksgiving Lunch at Senior Center

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — There’s more to being a Summit County senior than hitting the slopes with a discounted lift ticket.

The county dishes out some serious perks for its older residents. Need your driveway cleared in winter? There’s a free service for that. Hungry around noon? Hot meals await at local senior centers. Need a lift to a doctor appointment? Free rides are available. And those property tax bills? They might shrink dramatically with the right program.

Behind the scenes of this active community lies a network of services addressing practical needs for Summit County seniors.

Snow Removal

Got snow? Summit County has the inmate snow removal service, which is intended to serve those who do not have someone in the area to assist them. The program works on a first-come basis as time allows. Want to get on the list? email Jessica or call 435-336-3014.

Lunch and Social Scene

Senior centers across Summit County open their doors to anyone who’s hit the big 6-0. Beyond just a meal, these hubs offer everything from sweat-breaking exercise classes to creative arts and group outings to theaters and trails. Hungry visitors can grab lunch twice weekly for just a suggested $4 donation. For those looking to join, just call by 9 a.m. on lunch day to save a spot. Check the monthly menu to see what’s cooking. To learn more, contact the Senior Centers.

North Summit seniors gather at 150 Park Road in Coalville, with lunch served Wednesdays and Fridays at noon. Call 435-336-2622 to reserve.

Park City’s center at 1361 Woodside Ave. serves lunch Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. Call 435-333-1586 by 5 p.m. the day before (or 9 a.m. day-of in a pinch), or email pclunch@summitcountyutah.gov.

South Summit residents can head to 110 N. Main St. in Kamas for Monday and Thursday noon meals. Reserve at 435-783-4311.

Can’t make it out? Meals on Wheels delivers lunch Monday through Friday for homebound residents. Call 801-229-3802 to learn more.

Getting Around

Doctor appointments shouldn’t require an expensive taxi. Beyond High Valley Transit, seniors can book free rides to medical visits Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Just plan ahead — rides need booking one week in advance at 435-336-3014.

Tax Breaks

Property tax bills too high? Check these money-saving programs:

Circuit Breaker: For seniors 66+ (or their surviving spouses) with 2023 household income under $40,840.
County Hardship Abatement: Available to those 65+, any disabled person, or anyone facing extreme hardship with income and assets under $49,008.
Blind Exemption: For legally blind residents or their surviving spouse/orphaned kids.
Military Break: For active-duty members deployed outside Utah 200+ days.
Veteran’s Discount: For those with VA disability ratings of 10% or higher.
For seniors 75+, the CB75+ Deferral lets qualified residents postpone property taxes that accumulate with interest until the property sells or the owner passes away.

For more information about the programs, and applying, visit the Summit County website.

Giving Back

Want to volunteer? UServeUtah connects seniors 55+ with programs needing help. AmeriCorps volunteers have worked in local schools for decades. Ready to join in? Call 801-538-3999 or email acseniors@utah.gov.