Community Preservation Act Surcharge

Frequently Asked Questions

1.	What is it for? The Community Preservation Act Surcharge provides funding for: Acquisition, creation and preservation of open space. Acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources. Acquisition, creation, preservation of land for recreational use. Creation, preservation and support of low income or low or moderate income senior housing.
2.	Why do I have to pay it? Who adopted it? The voters of Agawam adopted the Community Preservation Act Surcharge in the November 6, 2001 election. Eligible Voters: 17,572 Voter Turnout: 7,608 (43%) Yes: 2,848 (37%) No: 1,836 (24%) Blank: 2,924 (38%)
3.	How much is it? It is one per cent (1%) of the annual real estate tax. This is the bill for the whole fiscal year 2003.
4.	When is it due? 30 days after the bills were mailed. Interest will accrue at fourteen per cent (14%) per year on unpaid balances from the billing date.
5.	Can I get an exemption? Low income households and low to moderate income seniors may be eligible for an exemption. You must contact the Assessor's office to obtain a low income application for Community Preservation Act Exemption.
6.	Will this be on my May bill? No. This bill is for the whole fiscal year. The surcharge will be divided by four next year and added to each quarterly real estate tax bill.
7.	Can the CPA be revoked? Acceptance may be revoked, but the city or town must wait until at least five years after the referendum passes to do so. Revocation is by majority vote of the City Council and by referendum.

12/5/2011: Adult Drop-In Sit & Knit First Tuesday of every month thru May 2012 2/1/2012: Agawam Library Art Exhibit for the month of February 2/6/2012: AUTHORTALK WITH PHOTOGRAPHER LARRY SHORTELL Monday, February 6, @ 7pm at the Agawam Public Library 2/18/2012: SOCIAL MEDIA PROPAGANDA POSTER EVENT WITH AARON Wood Saturday, February, 18 2012 @ 2pm at the Agawam Public Library

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