What's Driving Chelmsford's Taxes? Assessors Present Findings to Selectmen

8:00 p.m. to 8:20 p.m.

Sam Chase of the Chelmsford Board of Assessors presented a report on the town’s tax rate for Fiscal Year ’14.

Chase said that the board had improved significantly in terms of getting information back from commercial properties over the past several years, almost doubling the amount of surveys they get back from businesses in town.

He said that the residential class lost approximately $24 million in value, the commercial class of properties gained approximately $20 million and the industrial properties gained approximately $5 million values, stating that the town also lost a significant amount of personal property tax from two major companies changing their status to a manufacturing primary use, which is not eligible for personal property tax under state law.

Chase went on to split up sections of the residential class of properties, saying condominiums dropped in value more than single family homes.

He concluded saying that it was up to the Board of Selectmen to determine whether or not there would be a split rate between different classes of properties, and the Board of Assessors did not make recommendations to the Selectmen.

Chief Assessor Frank Reen then gave a powerpoint presentation. He concluded the powerpoint by saying that while Chelmsford’s tax rate rose 71.31 percent over the past 13 years, that change was similar to most nearby towns that also have a uniform tax rate among all classes of properties such as Westford and Acton as well towns with rates that differ between residential and non-residential properties such as Billerica and Tyngsboro.

Selectman George Dixon asked a question regarding the earlier comment regarding shifts in commercial and residential valuations, wondering if commercial properties are paying more of their share.

Chase explained that part of the explanation came from the fact that 86 percent of the town’s property valuation comes from residential properties.

The board continued the discussion until their next meeting.

8:20 p.m. to 8:36 p.m.

The Town Manager presented a request for a grant of $128,455 by the Middlesex 3 towns to consolidate transportation services, with no local match.

He then provided an update on the Hunt Road bridge, mentioning the Tadmuck Road bridge over 495, explaining why it came first.

Cohen concluded with an update on the town’s underground utility project near the Town Common, saying Phase One had been concluded, with work by National Grid estimated at approximately $2.5 million.

The issue would be along Boston Road where Verizon would be responsible due to a significant trunk line, saying it would cost at minimum $2.5 in construction issues, with additional costs.

Currently there are no funding mechanisms for this, and there are no immediate engineering or construction plans for this, but Cohen was concerned that the longer the town waits, the more expensive it would become, urging the board to find grants or community preservation funds since under the law, one utility’s funds cannot be used on another utilities infrastructure.

Chairman Matt Hanson asked about what might be done with a potential surplus on the National Grid work, with Cohen saying that may be a matter for the Attorney General, but the pressing issue was the Verizon section of the project.

Wotjas asked whether Community Preservation Funds were acceptable, Cohen said it was allowed, but it was unsure if it was acceptable. Lane said it was a stretch to use CPC funding, saying the town needs to get the legislative delegation involved, with potentially asking for legislation on fines for double poles that could be used for implementing placing utility infrastructure underground town wide.

There was also discussion on double poles near Amble Road and Proctor Road and other parts of town.

8:36 p.m. to 8:40 p.m.

Elizabeth Twombly was appointed to the Holiday Decorating Committee for the next few weeks.

Minutes were approved for the Triboard on Sept. 30 and the regular Selectmen’s meeting on Sept. 23 and heard liaison reports prior to adjournment.