Town considers tripling CPA surtax to boost funding

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed two significant proposals aimed at enhancing local funding for community projects. The first proposal involves increasing the Community Preservation Act (CPA) surtax from 1% to 3%. This increase could potentially triple the available funds for local projects and unlock additional state matching funds, which are contingent upon reaching the higher surtax rate.

Advisory committee members highlighted that the current CPA funding, approximately $500,000 annually, could rise to between $1.6 million and $1.7 million with the proposed increase. This would provide substantial financial support for various capital projects that would typically be funded through the general budget or debt service, thereby alleviating some financial pressure on taxpayers.

The second proposal discussed was the creation of a separate stormwater enterprise fund, similar to the existing water fund. This would establish a dedicated financial structure for managing stormwater projects, ensuring that funds are allocated specifically for this purpose.

The meeting underscored the importance of community engagement in these proposals. To move forward with the CPA surtax increase, officials noted that it would require either a positive vote at a town meeting or the collection of signatures from 5% of voters to place the measure on the ballot. The advisory committee expressed the need for a coordinated discussion with the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to explore the best path forward and to ensure broad support for the initiatives.

Concerns were raised about the potential impact on taxpayers, particularly in light of upcoming projects that may also affect local finances. However, proponents of the surtax increase emphasized that the goal is to leverage state funds to reduce the overall tax burden while enhancing community resources.

As discussions continue, officials aim to clarify the implications of these proposals and gauge community interest before proceeding with formal actions.