October 2023
Town Administrator’s Corner
Message from the Town Administrator
Who is ready for November? Much too soon for me. There is so much to do, and the holidays are swiftly approaching. But it is also a fun time of the year to spend time with family and friends and reflect on what we are grateful for.
Things in Town Hall have been busy. We are focusing on capital plans, budgets, and setting the tax rate. As part of this focus, we have been watching the news concerning the Whittier School Building project and the financial impact on its 11 member communities. I want to make sure residents are aware of the upcoming informational session, election, and have some facts about the proposal in relation to Groveland.
Whittier Tech is a vocational school that has 11 member communities- Amesbury, Haverhill, Ipswich, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury. A vocational school is designed to provide vocational education or technical skills required to complete the tasks of a particular and specific job, for example carpentry, cosmetology or auto repair.
The current Whittier School building opened in 1973, and its last significant renovation was a roof replacement in 2007. Whittier is now proposing a $445.9 million dollar project to construct a brand-new school.
The Whittier School Administration is planning an informational session, concerning the project, in Groveland on Saturday, November 18th at 10am to noon at the Langley-Adams Library, 185 Main Street.
The total projected cost would be $445.9 million, with $131.7 million expected in Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) grants and $15.4 million expected to be covered by federal incentive and state rebates, leaving a projected district share of $298.6 million. Groveland’s share of the debt is estimated as $24 million.
This would mean Groveland could expect to add approximately $819,000 to its annual assessment to cover the debt payments for the next 30 years. This allocation would be in addition to the operating costs the Town is already assessed by the vocational school. In FY24 Groveland had 35 students attend Whittier and allocated $615,000. In FY23 Groveland had 46 students and allocated $782,000.
These assessments and debt numbers are subject to different factors, and the amounts being discussed will potentially increase or decrease. One factor that can change is enrollment. Enrollment for each community is not capped per municipality. Students must apply and if their application meets the Admission Policy Standards, they are considered regardless of which member community the student resides. It also means students can be denied entry, unlike Pentucket Regional High School. Additionally, per the Whittier Regional Agreement our capital assessment share is different that our operating assessment share. Operating assessment is based on current enrollment, which is currently 35 students and 2.7% of the total contribution. The capital assessment is based on all school aged eligible children in the municipality, which is currently 851 students and 4.2% of the total contribution. The other factor is interest rates. So, depending on the market the debt service terms will change, and the numbers being shown on the debt schedule are based on estimates.
This project will greatly impact the Town’s fiscal situation and I strongly recommend that all residents attend and tune in to the discussion.
The districtwide vote on the Whittier project is set for January 23rd from 11 am to 7 pm. Results will be based on the aggregate total of votes throughout the Whittier Tech district.
Lastly, I just wanted to take a second and thank everyone who participated in PumpkinFest and all that attended. We hope you had a blast! Community events offer a unique and powerful way to engage with people, build relationships, and create meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impression. Groveland is blessed with an abundance of caring and dedicated volunteers. We are extremely grateful for their time and efforts.
Upcoming Events
Whittier School Building Project Informational Session
November 18th at 10am to noon at the Langley-Adams Library, 185 Main Street
November 23rd Happy Thanksgiving!
Town Projects
Comprehensive Master Plan. That Master Plan is complete! Now the work begins to implement. Those looking to view the final plan can see it here.
Route 97/School Street and Salem Street Intersection Signalization. The contractor, Coviello Electric, will be on site the week of November 6th to install signal equipment. As part of this project, we are also replacing the solar powered Rapid Flashing Beacon (RFB) at Ashcroft Terrace and School Street with a new system that will be hardwired, so it no longer ceases to work during consistently cloudy weather.
Recycling Dividends Grant. The Town received $2,500 in grant funds to foster investment in local programs including recycling equipment, organics diversion, outreach and education, pilot programs, school recycling, toxics reduction, and more. The use of these funds is still undetermined and will be discussed with the Trash and Recycling Committee.
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Grant. This grant is focused on the design and permitting for the reconstruction of the Lower Center Street culvert. It also includes drainage improvements at Washington Street Park due to runoff in the parking lot. This project includes green solutions to drainage and flooding, such as increasing habitat to increase flood storage. To date, a geographic survey has been completed at the Lower Center Street project site and borings will be scheduled in the next few weeks, weather permitting. The work may require road closure and a detour. Those details are still being discussed and once finalized notice will go out accordingly.
Tennis/Pickle Ball Courts at the Pines. This is a Community Preservation Act (CPA) funded project. The site was graded and drainage installed as part of the original construction work associated with the Pines Redevelopment Project. These last few weeks the Highway Department has been working on additional grading measures and paving the area. After this initial work the project will be on hold until the Spring when we can work with contractors concerning fencing, surfacing and netting. This project is expected to be completed in Summer 2024.
Basketball Court Reconstruction at Washington Park & Driveway Repair at Washington Hall. These are Community Preservation Act (CPA) funded projects. The two projects, although separate, are tied together due to the location of the driveway and basketball courts. The Highway Department has been working on grading and paving at both sites. At Washington Park there will be one full basketball court and two half courts. The paving will be completed this Fall and final touches- new hoops and markings- will be done in the Spring. The hydroseeding and planting and other work associated with the parking lot at Washington Hall will also be on hold until the Spring. Both project are expected to be completed Summer 2024.
Splashpad at the Pines. This is a Community Preservation Act (CPA) funded project. The Town has engaged O’Brien and Sons, and the goal is to start site work prior to the winter. We expect the splashpad to be operational for Summer of 2024. The hours of operation will be from July 4th through September 5th.
Skatepark at the Pines. This is a Community Preservation Act (CPA) funded project. A survey has been released to gather feedback on the initial design concepts. The survey will remain open for another week or so, then we will hold a public engagement session with the design team, Spohn Ranch, to finalize the design and discuss next steps. Construction is expected to take place next Spring/Summer and open in the Fall of 2024. Help shape the design of the park and take the survey here!
Department Spotlight:
Assessing Department
Setting the tax rate! What you need to know.
Each year the Town must have its tax rate approved by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue prior to issuing tax bills.
The Assessing Department gathers all documentation necessary to set the tax rate and submits it to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue along with a summary of that information on a document referred to as the Tax Recap. The Tax Recap is a 4 page document that summarizes all revenue and spending for the fiscal year. The Recap is accompanied by a number of back-up documents which are for the most part summaries of financial information submitted throughout the year or worksheets that explain how certain information on the Recap was determined.
Frequently Asked Questions
State law requires that all property in Massachusetts be assessed at current market value.
The best evidence of market value is the arm’s length sale of reasonably comparable properties. These are properties similar to yours in location, age, style, condition, and other features that affect market value, such as the square footage of living area, bathrooms and size of garage, etc.
We will then consider all other factors that may affect the market value of your property. The cost to replace your building(s), less any depreciation, plus the value of the land could be used to estimate market value. For rental properties, the income and expenses could be considered.
Your construction cost is a historical figure that may or may not reflect the current market value of your property; it is only 1 element that may be considered.
Generally speaking, improvements that increase the market value of a property will increase the assessment. The following examples are typical items that may increase the assessed value of your property:
Normal maintenance will help retain the market value of your property, but generally will not affect your assessment.
Economic conditions such as interest rates, inflation rates, and changes in the tax laws will influence the value of real estate. As property values change in the marketplace, those changes must be reflected on the assessment roll.
You will need to file an abatement application with the Assessors Office within 30 days of the issuance of the actual tax bill (3rd quarter bill). The Taxpayer should pay the bill as rendered while his/her abatement application is pending to avoid interest and penalties. The Board of Assessors has 3 months in which to act on your application.
They will notify you on an approved Department of Revenue form of their decision with that time. If not acted on favorably, it is automatically denied at the end of the three- month period.
State law places the burden of proof on the property owner to show that their property is overvalued. Stating that your property taxes are too high is not relevant. You should establish in your mind what you think your property is worth. A recent appraisal of your property may help support your case.
The best evidence that will be considered is a recent sale price of your property. The next best evidence would be recent sales of properties that are similar to yours – the closer in similarity and proximity, the better the evidence.
Although the value of your property affects your share of taxes, the actual amount you pay is determined by the budget needs of the town and school, and spending approved by the vote of Town Meeting Members at town meeting. A tax rate is then adopted that will generate the needed dollars. Your property taxes are determined by multiplying the tax rate per thousand dollars of assessed value.
See here for more information.
The Assessors Department is the office responsible for assessing and valuing real property for tax purposes. Its primary role is to determine the taxable value of properties, such as land, buildings, and improvements, within a particular jurisdiction. This valuation is used to calculate property taxes, which are a crucial source of revenue for local governments.
Assessors Department typically conducts property assessments by examining factors like property size, location, condition, and market trends. They use this information to establish the assessed value of each property, which serves as the basis for determining property tax liability.
In addition to valuation, the Assessors Department may also handle property-related matters, such as maintaining property records, processing tax exemptions, and providing information to property owners and the public.
Overall, the Assessors Department plays a vital role in maintaining an equitable and reliable property tax system, ensuring that property taxes are fairly assessed and collected to fund essential public services.
Julie Yebba, Assessing Manager
JYebba@grovelandma.com | 978-372-8528
What You Might’ve Missed:
Latest News
Council on Aging Newsletter. November / December Newsletter can be found here.
Community Preservation Act Funding. The Committee will open the 2024 Application round shortly and applications are due December 31, 2024. See here for more information.
Employment Opportunities
Public Grounds and Cemetery Supervisor. The Town of Groveland is seeking qualified candidates to fill our full-time position of Public Grounds and Cemetery Supervisor. The Public Grounds and Cemetery Division, within the Highway Department is responsible for the daily operation of the Riverview Cemetery and operation and maintenance of Public Grounds in the Town of Groveland.
Senior/Laborer/Operator. The Town of Groveland Highway Department is seeking qualified candidates to fill a full-time position (40-hour week) of Senior/Operator/Driver/Laborer. Interested individuals must be holders of a valid CDL Class B license or greater with air brake endorsement, DOT medical certificate, and a Hoisting Engineer License 2B or greater.
Recreation Summer Program Director. The Town of Groveland is seeking a dynamic Director to lead our Summer Program at the Bagnall Elementary School. Applicants must possess a high energy level, a strong work ethic, and administrative experience. The Summer Program Director will be responsible for extensive planning prior to the start of camp.
More information about these open positions can be found here.
Have you seen the tractors around Town?
A very big thank you to Dunn Landscaping and Collin’s Family Tree for helping decorate the Town for the Fall, highlighting our roots, and providing some small-town charm. We are grateful for our businesses and all that they do to contribute to the community.
Volunteer & Employee Spotlight:
Meet Steve McPherson
Steve McPherson is our Building and Facilities Supervisor.
Steve started with the Town back in 2018 as the Facilities Coordinator and Custodian. Many of you have seen Steve over the years, either operating the popcorn machine at Town events, down at the Pines or in Town Hall. Steve is a Groveland resident with two children in the Pentucket Regional School District and his wonderful wife, Beth Greenhagen, is an active volunteer in Town.
What is the Buildings and Facilities Division?
This Division focuses on our public buildings as well as our facilities such as the Pines Recreation bathrooms, etc. This Division is responsible for the physical maintenance, capital development, and daily custodial services for all municipal facilities of the Town of Groveland. Our goal is to maintain the Town’s facilities assets in the best condition attainable while providing the safest and most environmentally friendly conditions possible for the employees of Groveland, its residents and the visiting public.
The responsibilities of the Building and Facilities Division are widespread and diverse. Maintenance responsibilities involve every piece of infrastructure, seen and unseen, inside and outside a facility. Custodial responsibilities involve, not only cleaning and disinfecting but also providing support services for building occupants, including furniture moves, function setups, and building security. In addition, the Division is responsible for compliance with government regulations, contracting for and overseeing numerous contractors and capital projects. It is an involved and intricate position to hold, and one that Steve does with dedication and a detailed eye.
Steve has transformed our Town facilities with the level of care and attention he provides. In his new role he has excelled. He has established new procedures and enhanced efficiencies in a matter of weeks. Another example of Steve’s commitment is the time he has dedicated off the clock. He helps the Town with PumpkinFest, participates in Groveland Day and has spent his Saturdays helping volunteer groups.
Often times, the work of others can go unnoticed because they are not at the forefront. But they lay the foundation for success. Day-to-day operations at our Town facilities would not be as successful as they are if it were not for Steve, the work he does, and the help he consistently offers to his co-workers. We are consistently grateful for all that he does for the Town.
