Showing posts with label property tax. Show all posts
Showing posts with label property tax. Show all posts

Friday, January 26, 2024

Boston Globe: "‘Home equity theft’ in Massachusetts is the focus of federal lawsuit"

"In 2017, the city of Greenfield targeted Stephen Woodbridge’s property, which totaled almost 20 acres and included a rambling 10-room house, for unpaid taxes of a little less than $6,000.

Four years later, after making numerous complex and arcane court filings, the city succeeded in gaining legal ownership of a property that had been in the Woodbridge family for 70 years.

Woodbridge was quickly evicted, and the city sold his house and six surrounding acres for $270,000 at auction. The city added Woodbridge’s other 13 wooded acres to a contiguous city-owned park without compensating him.

The city reaped a tidy cash profit of at least $220,000 — the $270,000 sale price at auction minus the $50,000 Woodbridge owed in taxes, interest, and other costs run up while the tax-taking case moved through the system. Woodbridge’s debt had ballooned almost tenfold since 2017 because he was charged fees for the city’s attorneys plus 16 percent interest on his debt — as permitted by law."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

Al Norman is pictured near Stephen Woodbridge’s former Greenfield property Wednesday. Norman is a community activist fighting against so-called "home equity theft," when municipalities take all the home equity in a house where the back taxes are only a fraction of the property's value.MATTHEW CAVANAUGH/FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE
Al Norman is pictured near Stephen Woodbridge’s former Greenfield property Wednesday. Norman is a community activist fighting against so-called "home equity theft," when municipalities take all the home equity in a house where the back taxes are only a fraction of the property's value. MATTHEW CAVANAUGH/FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE


Monday, August 28, 2023

Talking Property Tax Data Insights with Max Morrongiello - 08/10/23 (audio)

FM #1049 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1049 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares some Mass Property Tax Data Insights as analyzed by Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV studio on Thursday, August 10, 2023.  


Max shares some insights from the linear regression analysis he performed with the available data from the US Census and Mass Dept of Revenue among other resources.


For example, Franklin property tax bills are about 4% less than the linear regression analysis would predict them to be.


The recording runs about 28 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Max on Thursday, August 10, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1049-property-tax-data-insights-08-10-23


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Policy Brief on per pupil spending

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LP5fI1Gm0NKkUuAYaWTKF2HSadjfinNY/view?usp=drive_link 


Are Franklin’s taxes low?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LJHukt7tGB3-dTLWyX5NoIJE8J8jZib3/view?usp=drive_link 


Data files used for the analysis

Microsoft Excel format ->

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uQE3e2_4RSj3zZRQ-9p7biDI-3Kk6E6d/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true 


Comma Separated Value format (CSV)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E90EFjLb0GkMrAFy75zXR7wqHHh5XgTV/view?usp=drive_link 


Info on JASP -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JASP   and   https://jasp-stats.org/jasp-materials/ 


Max’s LinkedIn profile -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxmorrongiello/  

And specifically on metrics and statistical analysis -> Maxwell Metrics: Policy Analytics & Consulting


You can contact Max via email -> Max.Morrongiello @ gmail dot com


--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Talking Property Tax Data Insights with Max Morrongiello - 08/10/23 (audio)
Talking Property Tax Data Insights with Max Morrongiello - 08/10/23 (audio)


Monday, July 3, 2023

Fiscal Year 2024 1st Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills due August 1, 2023

Fiscal Year 2024 1st Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills due August 1, 2023

Notice from the Treasurer/Collector

Fiscal Year 2024 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - First Quarter

Treasurer/Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal Year 2024 first quarter real estate and personal property tax bills.  Payment is due by August 1, 2023. 

Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.

Read more

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Fourth Quarter

Notice from the Office of the Treasurer/ Collector:

Treasurer Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal Year 2023 fourth quarter real estate and personal property tax bills.  Payment is due by May 1, 2023.  Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-treasurer-collector-fy-23-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills-fourth

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Fourth Quarter
Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Fourth Quarter

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Third Quarter

Notice from the Office of the Treasurer/ Collector:

Treasurer Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal Year 2023 third quarter real estate and personal property tax bills. Payment is due by February 1st, 2023. Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-treasurer-collector-fy-23-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills-third-quarter

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Third Quarter
Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Third Quarter

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Franklin, MA: Tax Rate Public Hearing scheduled for Nov 30, 2022

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. on the issue of allocating the local property tax levy among the 5 property classes for the Fiscal Year 2023. The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion of local property tax policy. Interested taxpayers may present oral or written information on their views.

Prior to the setting of the tax rate, the Town Council must adopt a Residential Factor following which the Council selects the percentage of the levy to be borne by Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property.

Citizens are welcome to attend public meetings in person. Additionally, citizens will be able to continue to participate remotely via phone OR Zoom. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting. If you have any questions, please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949.

Submitted by,

Alecia Alleyne
Assistant to the Town Administrator



Franklin, MA: Tax Rate Public Hearing scheduled for Nov 30, 2022
Franklin, MA: Tax Rate Public Hearing scheduled for Nov 30, 2022

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Town of Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Oct 26, 2022 - 7 PM

Finance Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, October 26, 2022 - 7:00 PM
Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers

Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comment
3. Approval of Minutes: 9-28-22 & 10-18-22
4. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series:
a. Presentation: Assessing Department, Kevin Doyle & the Franklin Board of Assessors
5. Future Agenda Items
6. Adjourn


Please find the agenda and links for the October 26th, 2022 Finance Committee meeting posted here: https://t.co/nzAX525RCo 

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/yJj0iyvERL

Town of Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Oct 26, 2022 - 7 PM
Town of Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Oct 26, 2022 - 7 PM

Friday, September 30, 2022

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Second Quarter

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Second Quarter

Notice from the Office of the Treasurer/ Collector:

Treasurer Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal 2023 second quarter real estate and personal property tax bills.  Payment is due by November 1, 2022.  Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-treasurer-collector-fy-23-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills-second

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Second Quarter
Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Second Quarter

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Notice from the Office of the Treasurer/ Collector:

Treasurer Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the fiscal year 2023 real estate and personal property bills.  Payment is due by August 1, 2022.  Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.

Shared from Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-treasurer-collector-fy-23-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills
Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

"The law surrounding tax takings in Massachusetts is terribly unfair and needs to end"

"The California-based Pacific Legal Foundation is using Foss’s case to challenge a Massachusetts law that lets a municipality seize a property due nonpayment of property taxes, then sell the property and keep any profit above the amount owed. (Municipalities often sell tax liens to for-profit companies like Tallage, which then sell the property.) The foundation filed a lawsuit on Foss’s behalf Tuesday in Suffolk County Superior Court. 

“Instead of returning the extra $210,000 equity that I had, Tallage took my home and kept the equity I had in it, leaving me with absolutely nothing,” Foss said, speaking to reporters outside the Suffolk County courthouse on Tuesday. “I understand the government trying to settle debts that I owe, but giving away my home and all the money I held in it is cruel and wrong.” 

Continue reading the article online
 
State Rep Jeff Roy:
"The law surrounding tax takings in Massachusetts is terribly unfair and needs to end. We have filed H3053 to make takings like a mortgage foreclosure, and restore protections so homeowners receive adequate notice to save their homes."

 Link to the H3053 legislation -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H3053

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1508911399824728069

Deborah Foss filed a lawsuit in Suffolk Superior Court on March 29, 2022 challenging the seizure and sale of her home for unpaid property taxes. (Photo by Shira Schoenberg)
Deborah Foss filed a lawsuit in Suffolk Superior Court on March 29, 2022 challenging the seizure and sale of her home for unpaid property taxes. (Photo by Shira Schoenberg)

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 22 Third Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 22 Third Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Treasurer Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the fiscal 2022 third quarter real estate and personal property tax bills.  Payment is due by February 1, 2022.  Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.


Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 22 Third Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills
Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 22 Third Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills


Monday, December 6, 2021

Town Council meeting - Dec 1. 2021 - audio in two parts

FM #671-672 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 671-672 in the series. 


This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just about two hour into two (2) logical segments:

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Dec 1, 2021

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Agenda document ->  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_dec_1_2021.pdf

My notes from the meeting  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/recap-town-council-sets-tax-rate-at.html 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.Franklinmatters.org   or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Town Council meeting - Dec 1. 2021 - audio in two parts
Town Council meeting - Dec 1. 2021 - audio in two parts

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Town Council Quarterbacking - 12/02/21 - What happened at the Town Council meeting? (audio)

FM #670 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 670 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of December 1, 2021: 


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics

  • Subcommittee assignments announced, meeting calendar approved

  • Tax rate hearing

  • Snow presentation

  • TA Report – NationalGrid


The recording runs about 35 minutes:


Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.


Let’s listen to this recording of Town Council Quarterbacking Dec 2, 2021

** Audio file -> 
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/85b955b3-30b4-48da-8224-2a8adc484fe5

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Town Council Agenda document ->  

https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_dec_1_2021.pdf

 

My notes from the meeting  -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/recap-town-council-sets-tax-rate-at.html 

--------------


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Snow presentation
Snow presentation

Friday, December 3, 2021

Recap: Town Council sets tax rate at 14.05; hears of snow removal plans and issues

Quick Recap:
  • Council Chair Tom Mercer announced the subcommittee appointments also including a vice-chair for each committee to help with scheduling. An ad-hoc subcommittee to look at the Rules and Procedures was also announced. The calendar of Council meetings for the upcoming year was formally approved
  • The Council heard the presentation from Kevin Doyle and Chris Feeley then voted to approve the single tax rate at 14.05 for FY 2022
  • DPW Director Cantoreggi provided the annual update on the snow removal plans. Coordination with School Superintendent and Police Chief Lynch is an early morning discussion to decide school opening status. Snow plow contractors are still in short supply and the cost of salt has increased over last year
  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided an update on NationalGrids work on their infrastructure to help mitigate the potential of and recovery from power outages.

-------


As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the Council Chambers. 

 

The Twitter hashtag #TC1201 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1466194849766559744


Photos from the event can be found in one album:  

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Tz6ekHkG7iH7Nqhb9



Public Hearing on Tax Classification
Annual Snow Removal Presentation
  • next up the annual snow removal presentation  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._presentation_-_snow_brutus.pdf…  #tc1201 special night doing taxes and snow on same night Director "Brutus" Cantoreggi providing insights on the presentation doc (in link)
  • goal to have road with some asphalt and less than inch of ice snow in four hours after the storm finishes #tc1201 58.5" inches last year, about $1M using 5200 tons of salt (est $100K more for salt alone this year)
  • about 35 pieces of equipment on road for storm, approx. $1600/hour  plus contractors at about $10K per hour of storm; contractor shortage with multiple reasons driving it #tc1201
  • check out slide in the presentation on effects of all the issues outlined #tc1201
  • for schools, easier to delay opening, hardest to send home early (parents/guardians aren't ready) #tc1201 
  • be aware of the winter storm parking ban called as needed (once upon a time, used to be all winter)
  • fire hydrant clearing program   https://franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/adopt-hydrant  #tc1201 volunteer to clear a hydrant in your neighborhood
  • check out the top 10 complaints received during snow storms #tc1201 will use GIS records to determine where fences and irrigation systems are located, if on Town property, not allowed no compensation
  • Question on doing all roads before all sidewalks? it would be another expense, more personnel and equipment would be required; consider that during the road clearing, where does the snow go? to the sidewalks, then you'd have to clear them 2 or 3 times #tc1201
  • remote work actually has increased local traffic, not decreased it; DOT and other looking at the models to adjust accordingly; also did buy salt to finish out the funding last year and leave us this year with full stock to start #tc1201
  • parts and breakage an issue; DPW has trucks on order from last capital that haven't arrived yet likely won't be available for this year #tc1201 CDL is a Federal license not State; hence marijuana testing is a key factor, ok local, but not Federal
  • Chandler likes the change from all winter parking ban to the storm based one; also glad to hear that it is working well; Police coordination helps; usually an issue with first storm but not ones after; #tc1201
  • TA Hellen, thanks to the DPW and staff or all the good work they do; thanks to the residents for your patience  #tc1201
Town Administrator's Report
  • TA Report - pole position request recently handled to help NationalGrid for the infrastructure to help detect power outages, one key piece in final phase of their committed improvements; there are have been improvements recently, hopefully noticed #tc1201
Councilor Comments
  • no future agenda items around; councilor comments - Cormier-Leger, could be saving with municipal aggregation check your bill, thanks to youth hockey and DPW for the common decorations; #tc1201 plug for the FANN directory - https://franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/p/area-non-profits.html
  • Q on Red Brick School, evaluation to est/plan removal of lead paint as well as basic restorations, should be coming to CPC sometime for prioritization, may not fit some folks timelines but it is what it is #tc1201
  • ability to get a contractor onsite is an issue; no matter how it is funded remains to be a problem with getting this kind of special contract services #tc1201
  • Pellegri thanks to the Concerts on the Common for their work on Santa; ornaments available at Historical Museum; invite to seniors for GATRA feedback, at the Senior Center council hours 3rd Thursday at 8:30 AM  #tc1201
  • Open Mic night - "Love Franklin" at THE BLACK BOX on 12/08/21 link shared earlier https://franklinmatters.org/2021/12/franklin-freedom-team-announces-events.html sign up to read
  • #thinkFranklinFirst gift cards still around (never left) https://franklingiftcard.com #tc1201
  • Hamblen to represent Franklin at MMA training; winter farmer market this Saturday; #tc1201 condolences to the Michigan families of the high school shooting; 
Executive Session
  • motion to enter executive session on property purchase and not to reconvene in open session passes 9-0 via roll

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

snow removal plans and issues
snow removal plans and issues