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CPA Adoption Update: Northbridge is 173rd Community To Adopt CPA; Berlin To Vote on CPA In Fall

Posted on: May 18, 2018 - 3:59pm

Spring 2018 CPA Adoption MapMay 16, 2018: While last year may have been quiet in terms of CPA adoption, 2018 has been generating a lot more interest across the state.

Last night, Northbridge residents voted to adopt CPA at a 1% surcharge by a vote of 482 to 447. This was Northbridge's very first attempt at adoption, and their surcharge includes an exemption on the first $100,000 of residential properties. The town is expected to raise approximately $140,000 annually from the local surcharge, and will be eligible for additional matching funds from the state CPA Trust Fund. Northbridge now brings the total of CPA communities to 173.

In the midst of town meeting season, a few other communities have placed CPA related questions on their November ballot elections. In the town of Berlin, voters at town meeting placed the question of CPA adoption on their fall ballot. If passed, the town would adopt CPA with a 3% surcharge with exemptions for low-income and low & moderate income seniors and for the first $100,000 of residential property. Their local surcharge is expected to raise approximately $250,000 annually. Additionally, the town of Northfield will be voting to increase their existing CPA surcharge from 0.5% to 1%. Currently, Northfield is the only CPA community with a surcharge below 1%, and if passed, this ballot measure would double their local surcharge revenue.

Along with the successful adoption in Northbridge and the upcoming ballot elections, a CPA advocacy campaign is gaining steam in a one of the remaining cities in the state that does not yet have CPA. In the city of Worcester, the question of putting CPA adoption on the November ballot did make it to their City Council. However, the Council referred the question to the city's Finance committee for review, so it's not clear yet whether or not voters in Worcester will have a chance to vote on CPA. 

We’ll be sure to continue providing updates as things develop, but it's clear that the proven track record of the CPA program is still sparking interest in Massachusetts cities and towns.