CLARKBURG, Mass. — The voters will be deciding state and federal offices on Nov. 5 along with the slew of ballot initiatives. But Clarksburg voters will have an extra question to decide — whether to adopt the state's Community Preservation Act. 

 

The Historical Commission has been strongly supportive of the measure that would add a 3 percent surcharge on the property levy after the first $100,000. This would not affect the tax rate or the total levy. 

 

Town officials also have supported adoption of the act as a way to leverage funding from the state to address community needs the town can't afford.

 

The measure already passed the annual town meeting, with the added amendment that those who can qualify for low-income housing and low-to-moderate senior housing would be exempt from the surcharge. 

 

The value of the average single-family home in Clarksburg was $222,151 in fiscal 2024, with a tax rate of $15.35. The surcharge would be made on the tax bill for the value of $122,151, which would be $56. Homes or land valued at less than $100,000 would not pay a surcharge; this also does not affect commercial properties. 

 

The state would match local monies through the CPA Trust Fund, which captures surcharges placed on all real estate transactions. The trust fund had distributed nearly a billion dollars since 2002. The commission anticipates raising $25,000 to $35,000 a year and accessing a 100 percent match from the state based on the town's size. 

 

The funds can be used toward open space and recreation, affordable housing and historical preservation. 

 

The act, passed in 2000, has become a mechanism for towns and cities to make investments in these areas with approvals by their communities. Some 196 communities out of 351 have adopted the measure and another 11, including Clarksburg, are voting this fall on whether to participate. 

 

Passage would require the creation of a CPA committee to review and recommend applications to the annual town meeting. The committee would have at least five people representing town committees but town meeting would have the final say on disbursements. 

 

Williamstown adopted the CPA shortly after it passed and has collected more than $4 million and disbursed some $6 million for historical preservation, recreational facilities and affordable housing projects including some $1.5 million for Cable Mills. 

 

Pittsfield adopted the law in 2016 and has disbursed $3.7 million for a first-time homebuyers program, infrastructure improvements at historic properties and property rehabilitation for housing. 

 

While the Historical Commission brought the idea forward, a citizens' committee (which does include some members of the commission) has developed pamphlets and explanatory language for voters, held a public information session and appeared on "Solutions Rising," a television program hosted by Rachel Branch on Northern Berkshire Community Television. 

 

Further information can be found at www.communitypreservation.org.