Duxbury Officials Debate Potential CPA Rate Reduction Amid Budget Concerns
Proposal to lower Community Preservation Act surcharge sparks discussion on balancing projects and taxpayer relief
DUXBURY - February 10 - Town officials are considering a proposal to reduce the Community Preservation Act (CPA) surcharge from 3% to 1% in response to resident concerns about increasing tax burdens. The potential change, discussed during a Feb. 10 Selectboard meeting, has ignited debate about balancing community projects with taxpayer relief.
Selectboard member Brian Glennon raised the possibility of adding an article to the Town Meeting warrant to lower the CPA rate. "I think town meeting should have the opportunity to express its opinion as to whether we should make that change," Glennon said.
The proposal comes as Duxbury faces a significant override request on the same warrant, prompting officials to consider ways to alleviate the financial strain on residents.
"We're asking quite a lot of the residents," Glennon noted. "I'm much more interested in seeing the override pass, and if helping out a little bit with adjusting the CPA would make a difference, I'd be open to that."
However, the suggestion met with strong opposition from Community Preservation Committee (CPC) representatives and other town officials.
Selectboard member Amy MacNab argued against the proposal, stating, "This is the only tax money, the only revenue that we get matching funds from the state. To reduce down a policy, a project, something that we voted in and we've embraced that matches the funds... I think that would be a very, very unwise decision."
Bri Leing, a CPC commissioner, urged the board not to put the reduction forward. "We do need the funds. We are moving forward on a couple different projects," Leing said. "We're making the Harbor Walk. We're helping with the playground, doing the big home tennis court project down on Wadsworth."
Nancy Rufo, Conservation Administrator and staff contact for the CPC, also objected to the proposal. "We have so many projects that do such good for the town," Rufo said. "I strongly object to this being added to the warrants."
The discussion highlighted the tension between providing tax relief and maintaining funding for community projects. While some residents have expressed concerns about the CPA surcharge, supporters argue that the funds are crucial for preserving and enhancing town amenities.
The Selectboard did not make a final decision on whether to include an article to reduce the CPA rate, but they did vote to close the Town Meeting warrant. Rufo offered to present them more information at a future meeting.
In related budget discussions, town officials grappled with potential cuts if a proposed override fails. The balanced budget scenario, known as Article 5A, includes significant reductions to public safety departments, raising concerns about maintaining essential services.
Town Manager René Read defended the cuts, saying, "This 5A budget isn't one that anybody wants. It's the one we have to have because it's all we can afford."
Selectboard members expressed unease with the potential cuts, particularly to public safety. MacNab stated, "I wouldn't have ever agreed to the cuts that were being proposed for the fire and the police."
Officials discussed the possibility of revisiting budget priorities if the override fails, with Fernando Guitart suggesting, "We need to sit down as a Selectboard and focus on the schools and public safety."
The board plans to hold two public information sessions on Feb. 12 and Feb. 26 to discuss the proposed operating budget override with residents.
Other items discussed at the meeting included:
- Approval of a new taxation aid program to help elderly and disabled residents with property taxes
- Acceptance of provisions to increase veterans' tax exemptions
- Updates on ongoing water quality and PFAS mitigation efforts
- Consideration of establishing a new historic district for the town hall
The next Selectboard meeting is scheduled for Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the town hall mural room.