Saugus Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Plan to Assist Eligible Seniors, Veterans, and Others from Taxes Associated with New Middle-High School
(Saugus, MA) June 13, 2017 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announces a plan based upon an approved vote on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 to assist eligible seniors, veterans, and other residents from taxes associated with the investment in the new grades 6-12, Middle-High School District-Wide Master Plan Solution, which has been part of a three-year, comprehensive public process.
The proposed plan would offset the cost of the proposed new grades 6-12, Middle-High School District-Wide Master Plan Solution, which includes renovations to the Belmonte School and Veterans Memorial School, by doubling the real estate property tax exemption already being provided to eligible seniors, veterans with a service-connected disability, and other qualifying taxpayers who meet statutory exemptions. The current taxpayer annual exemption for eligible seniors, veterans, and other residents ranges from $309 to a full tax exemption of local property taxes.
"This new, proposed grades 6-12, Saugus Middle-High School District-Wide Master Plan Solution is a vital initiative for the Town of Saugus and the future of education for our children," said Town Manager Crabtree. "We are taking proactive steps to negate additional taxes on our residents who would be most affected by a tax increase so they can support this much-needed investment in our children and our community."
At a Town-wide election on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, the residents of Saugus will have an opportunity to support two ballot questions that invest in a new 21st century education plan and grades 6-12 Middle-High School District-Wide Master Plan Solution that will continue to prioritize education within the community.
The first question on the ballot that the residents will be asked to support is the grades 6-12, new Middle-High School, which includes a multipurpose athletic field and outdoor track. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), as the Town’s financial partner, will reimburse the Town at a minimum rate of approximately 53.32 percent (which is expected to increase) of eligible approved project costs. Approximately 20 percent would be invested in by the commercial taxpayers in Saugus, leaving residential taxpayers with an investment of approximately 30 percent, or 30¢ on the dollar, into the grades 6-12, MSBA new Middle-High School. In total, an estimated 70%, or 70¢ on the dollar of the grades 6-12, MSBA new Middle-High School will be reimbursed and/or supported by the Town’s financial and community partners.
The second question on the ballot that the residents will be asked to support is the Town’s initiative of a District-Wide Master Plan Solution, which is comprised of the renovations and improvements at the Belmonte School (which will be grades 3-5) and Veterans Memorial School (Pre-K through grade 2). Both questions need to be approved for either of the initiatives to move forward.
Upon a successful vote on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, the Town Manager will request a Special Town Meeting and submit an article to be voted by Town Meeting that will double the tax exemption for eligible seniors, veterans, and other taxpayers as a way to assist with taxes associated with the investment in the proposed Middle-High School District-Wide Master Plan Solution. Those eligible taxpayers who currently receive a tax exemption on their property taxes would automatically see that amount double. Those eligible taxpayers who receive a full tax exemption would continue to be fully tax exempt on their property taxes.
“The proposed increased exemption would not only help mitigate tax increases under the project for eligible seniors, veterans, and other taxpayers, but it may also result in these residents receiving savings greater than the amount of the tax increase,” said Crabtree. “We know there are many residents who support the School District’s Plan and its vision to provide facilities and resources that meet the academic needs of all students, and we hope this exemption plan will eliminate any tax concerns for these affected residents.”
About The Town of Saugus
The Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly, historic neighborhood Town located along the north shore, ten miles north of Boston. First settled in 1629, Saugus is home to historic sites, top-tier public services, and a thriving business community. Strong community support, a forward-thinking approach to town government, rich recreational opportunities, affordable choices, and easy access to all the amenities that Boston has to offer – they all contribute to make Saugus a Town where businesses flourish and families make their home.
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