DLS estimates record-low 15% state match for Community Preservation Act in FY18

This is part of an article on the Massachusetts Municipal Association website where the entire article can be read.

Cities and towns that have adopted the Community Preservation Act can expect a first-round state match in November of 15 percent of the local surcharge levied, the Division of Local Services has announced.
 
This level of distributions from the Community Preservation Trust Fund would be the lowest in the program’s history.
 
The DLS reports that its estimates are subject to change depending on collections at registries of deeds through October.
 
There will be equity and surplus distributions for those cities and towns that have adopted the maximum 3 percent surcharge, according to the DLS. With these additional distributions, the total state reimbursement for qualifying cities and towns will increase, depending on their decile and total surcharge amount.
 
During 2017, 162 cities and towns collected a local CPA surcharge and are eligible for state matching grants in fiscal 2018, according to the DLS.
 
Boston, Springfield, Holyoke, Pittsfield and seven other cities and towns that recently adopted the CPA won't receive their first match until the fall of 2018. Without legislative action to support the CPA Trust Fund, the match can be expected to drop again next year, as trust fund proceeds are divided among a larger number of communities.

Templeton uses CPA funds for many projects.

posted by Jeff Bennett