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Town of Sunderland
Community Preservation Committee
Committee Members: Appointed by:
Richard Lopatka, Chair Housing Committee
Mike Wissemann, Treasurer Selectboard
Jennifer Unkles, Clerk Conservation Commission
Helen Clark Historical Commission
Tom Fydenkevez Selectboard
Sara Snyder Planning Board
Jiyanna Vagedes-Baue Recreation Commission
The Community Preservation Act (CPA), approved in Sunderland as a ballot question on the November 2, 2010 election, creates a dedicated funding source financed by a property tax surcharge and state matching funds for protecting open space, providing affordable and senior housing, preserving historic assets and creating recreational land. As voted, the act imposes a 3% surcharge annually on real estate taxes, which will first appear on the Fiscal 2012 Preliminary and Final Real Estate bills. The Community Preservation Committee will make recommendations for the use of the funds to Town Meeting for its approval.
Who can participate in the process?
CPA Allowable Purposes
Everyone is invited and
encouraged to participate. All our meetings are held at the Town Offices and are
open to the public. Our upcoming meetings are Jan. 12, Feb. 9, Feb. 29, and
March 8, 7pm.
CPA creates a significant opportunity for resident participation in exploring ideas, setting priorities and making proposals for ways to enhance our community today and for tomorrow. The Committee welcomes participation in many ways (emails, phone, face-to-face) and including simply joining in on regularly and specially called meetings. CPA success in Sunderland will be as a result of active and broad resident involvement.
Who must pay the CPA surcharge?
The CPA is paid by all residential and commercial property owners.
How is the surcharge calculated?
The following example is based on an average home in Sunderland and uses the FY2011 tax rate to be adjusted for FY2012 tax rate on the second annual tax billing.
Assessed Value $246,864
Subtract $100,000 Exemption -$100,000
Net Value $146,864
Multiply by Tax Rate x 12.80
Net Tax $1,879.86
x Surcharge Rate x 3%
CPA Surcharge $56.40
Where does the CPA Surcharge appear on the tax bill?
The CPA Surcharge appears on the top of the bill as CP. This is based on the 2011 assessment and may change when the final tax bill comes out after Jan. 2012 with the FY2012 tax rate applied.
Are there exemptions to the CPA?
The Town of Sunderland has approved the following exemptions:
1. The first $100,000 of assessed value is exempt on residential real estate for purposes of calculating the CPA surcharge.
2. A complete exemption from the surcharge for property owned and occupied as a domicile by any person who qualifies as having low income or any senior who qualifies as having low or moderate income.
The application for the Community Preservation Fund Exemption is available at the Assessor's web page or in the Board of Assessor's Office.
Exemption Requirements:
To qualify for this exemption for fiscal year 2012, you must meet certain household income requirements based on calendar year 2010 income.
Qualifications for Low or Moderate Income SENIOR:
1. Applicant must own and occupy the property as of January 1, 2011.
2. At least one owner of the property must be 60 years of age or older as of January 1, 2011.
3. You must apply each year to the Board of Assessors for this exemption. If you were granted the exemption last year, you must apply again this year.
4. The applicant’s annual gross 2010 household income must not exceed the following limits:
Household Size of 1 person: $48,510
Household Size of 2 persons: $55,440
Household Size of 3 persons: $62,370
Household Size of 4 persons: $69,300
A chart for larger households, as well as full exemption criteria, is available from the Board of Assessors and thru the following link:
http://www.communitypreservation.org/content/exemptions
Qualifications for Low Income:
Homeowners under the age of 60 may also qualify for a CPA exemption if your annual gross 2010 household income does not exceed the following limits:
Household Size of 1 person: $38,808
Household Size of 2 persons: $44,352
Household Size of 3 persons: $49,896
Household Size of 4 persons: $55,440
How long will the Surcharge apply?
Once accepted the town must wait 5 years to revoke. Revocation is by a majority vote of Town Meeting and by referendum. However, the town can vote to change the percentage annually to any amount up 3%.
Where can I get more information?
Contact any member of the Community Preservation Committee with any questions or concerns. The Community Preservation Coalition has an excellent website with a wide breadth of information: www.communitypreservation.org