SOUTHWICK – The Community Preservation Act will remain intact after voters rejected an article supported by the Finance Committee to reduce the surcharge on real property from 3% to 1% after the first $100,000 of valuation.
Residents opposed to the reduction spoke about the value they have received from the program.
“We’ve spent less than $2 million of the town’s money, and have spent $9 on projects,” said John Whalley. He said the reduction would result in the loss of 85% of the state’s matching money. “The state takes it much more seriously if you have 3%,” he added.
Also rejected was the article to extend the first $100,000 exemption on the surcharge to all business and commercial properties for the supplemental tax.
“The difference is $51.33,” said Whalley. “Most small businesses don’t pay this tax, because they don’t own their own property.”
A lengthier discussion came earlier in the meeting on the request for $541,890 from the Community Preservation General Unreserved Fund for Whalley Park to install lights for the baseball and softball fields, electricity to the pavilion and stage area, and benches for the dugouts.
The 70-acre park, which includes 35 acres of recreational fields and 30 acres of conservation land, was donated to the town by John and Kathy Whalley. The park opened in June of 2015.
Supporters of the article said the lights would bring paying teams to the park, due to the huge demand for lit ball fields.
Residents opposed to the transfer said the park was under-utlized, and worried that it would take money from other projects.
One resident asked if this would be the last large investment required to complete the park.
“Yes, we don’t see any other large investments for Whalley Park,” said Patrick Roche of the Park & Recreation Commission, which proposed the article.
“We’re all a little disappointed that we got a park that wasn’t finished, but it’s come a long way,” said Joseph Deedy, chair of the Select Board. He noted that the Park & Recreation Commission is all volunteer.
The article to fund the improvements at Whalley Park passed by a majority vote.
Also passed was $54,000 from the Community Preservation General Fund for improvements to make the Prifti Park Play-scape ADA compliant.
All other articles passed the town meeting with little or no discussion.
