FAQs • Agawam, MA • CivicEngage

Can I get an exemption?: Low income households and low to moderate income seniors may be eligible for an exemption. You must contact the Assessor's office to obtain a low income application for Community Preservation Act Exemption. The phone number of the Assessor's office is 413-786-0400, ext. 8700.

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Community Preservation Act Surcharge

1. What is the Community Preservation Act Surcharge for?: The Community Preservation Act Surcharge provides funding for:
- Acquisition, creation and preservation of open space
- Acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources
- Acquisition, creation, preservation of land for recreational use
- Creation, preservation and support of low income or low or moderate income senior housing

For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

2. Why do I have to pay the Community Preservation Act Surcharge? Who adopted it?: The voters of Agawam adopted the Community Preservation Act Surcharge in the November 6, 2001 election.
- Eligible Voters: 17,572
- Voter Turnout: 7,608 (43%)
- Yes: 2,848 (37%)
- No: 1,836 (24%)
- Blank: 2,924 (38%)

For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

3. How much is the Community Preservation Act Surcharge?: It is one per cent (1%) of the annual real estate tax. This is the bill for the whole fiscal year. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

4. When is the Community Preservation Act Surcharge due?: 30 days after the bills were mailed. Interest will accrue at fourteen per cent (14%) per year on unpaid balances from the billing date. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

5. Can I get an exemption?: Low income households and low to moderate income seniors may be eligible for an exemption. You must contact the Assessor's office to obtain a low income application for Community Preservation Act Exemption. The phone number of the Assessor's office is 413-786-0400, ext. 8700.

6. Will this be on my May bill?: No. This bill is for the whole fiscal year. The surcharge will be divided by four next year and added to each quarterly real estate tax bill. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.

7. Can the Community Preservation Act be revoked?: Acceptance may be revoked, but the city or town must wait until at least five years after the referendum passes to do so. Revocation is by majority vote of the City Council and by referendum. For more information, please call 413-786-0400, ext. 8218.