HOLYOKE — Holyoke voters have decided to support a reduction that will lower the CPA surcharge from 1.5% to 1%.
Question 6 on the ballot for Holyoke voters proposed the reduction with a yes being in favor of the reduction and a no vote keeping the rate the same. In total 8,744 voted yes while 4,419 voted no, with 1,467 ballots leaving the question blank, the highest number of blanks on any question.
While the question was an opportunity for voters to lower a specific tax rate, Holyoke CPA Committee Chair and Ward 7 City Councilor Meg Magrath-Smith said she believes deeply in investing into the city, she was “truly saddened” by the results.
“Holyoke has rightfully been celebrated for many firsts: we were the first planned industrial city and the birthplace of volleyball. Sadly, Holyoke is now also the first community in Massachusetts to vote to reduce its CPA surcharge,” Magrath-Smith said. “While I understand that financial pressures are real, this change will ultimately save most residents just $11 to $25 next year.”
Magrath-Smith added that small saving will come at a cost as certain projects may run short of funding now. The CPA Committee’s website also showcases the various projects of the city fighting to preserve its historical heritage, building parks and playgrounds and putting empty buildings back to use.
In the past five years, the CPA has secured about $43.4 million through matched and leveraged state, federal and foundation grant funding. Funds are sourced from a surcharge on property tax bills and an annual allocation from the statewide Community Preservation Trust Fund, distributed to communities that have adopted the CPA.
“As a result of the reduction, Holyoke will get one third less of what CPA was faithfully cranking out for the community over the last five years,” Magrath-Smith said.
Over the years the Holyoke CPA has funded a variety of popular projects throughout the city including the new Miracle League Playground, the restoration of the stained-glass windows at City Hall, Lady Liberty and the Korean Conflict Memorial at Veterans Park and many others.
“The original 1.5% surcharge was already modest and decreasing it to 1% will significantly reduce the fund’s ability to support meaningful projects. I thank the volunteers on the CPA Committee for their dedication and the impactful work they have accomplished, and will continue to accomplish despite this reduction,” said Magrath-Smith.
The reduction will go into effect following this year fiscal year’s round of funded CPA projects.
