Killing the Community Preservation Act

Three Massachusetts towns are looking to kill a 3% property tax that has been funding open space purchases, historic restoration, and affordable housing construction.

1 minute read

April 10, 2009, 8:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

"Under the Community Preservation Act, a surcharge of up to 3 percent is added to annual real estate tax bills. Participating towns then get a match from the state for the contributions.

But some residents in the three towns are saying this money should remain in the pockets of taxpayers during tough financial times, or should be used to bolster community infrastructure.

At Duxbury's Annual Town Meeting Saturday, voters will consider whether to lower the surcharge from the current 3 percent - the highest allowed under the act - to 0.25 percent.

James Sullivan, the article's author, said the town has too many high priorities to continue with "low priority" CPA-funded projects. The town desperately needs a new police station and a school roof, renovation of the fire station, and some repairs to the municipal pool, said Sullivan. Those projects would be paid for through temporary tax increases."

FULL STORY: Towns may cut property tax surcharge

Sunday, March 15, 2009 in The Boston Globe

Community / Economic Development Massachusetts property taxes

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