Massachusetts House Bill H3733

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/6/23
• Refer: 4/6/23
• Refer: 11/6/23

Caption

Providing for payments in lieu of taxes by the South Essex sewerage district in the city of Salem

Impact

By altering Chapter 339 of the acts of 1925, this bill intends to formalize a financial contribution from the South Essex sewerage district, which is a local utility entity. The incremental increase tied to the Consumer Price Index ensures that the payments will remain relevant and viable in the face of inflation and other economic pressures. This could have a positive impact on the city of Salem's budget, potentially alleviating some financial burdens and allowing for better municipal planning and services.

Summary

House Bill H3733 seeks to establish a framework for payments in lieu of taxes by the South Essex sewerage district to the city of Salem, Massachusetts. The bill outlines a schedule of escalating payments that the district will make to the city, commencing at $600,000 in July 2023 and increasing annually until reaching $1 million by July 2027. These payments are designed to compensate the city for the services and infrastructure provided to the district, effectively treating it as a comparable payment to property taxes that would typically be levied on municipal properties.

Contention

The specifics of the bill, particularly the predetermined payment schedule and the association of growth with the Consumer Price Index, may lead to discussions around fairness and equity among members in the district. Stakeholders might debate whether the payments reflect a fair assessment relative to the actual costs incurred by the city in supporting the district, or whether further adjustments might be needed to reflect changes in service demands or economic conditions. As such, the bill may spur conversations on local government finances and district accountability in future discussions.