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| By Erin O'Connor Staff Writer WEST SPRINGFIELD The Town Council Chambers were once again filled Jan. 10 when the West Springfield Taxpayers' Association (WSTPA) sponsored a free workshop to citizens to educate on property tax abatements. Approximately 200 citizens listened as Attorney William Murray, professor of law at Western New England College, spoke on filing abatements. "You are not going to hear everything you want to hear, you are not going to like everything that you hear but when you leave you will know the truth," Murray said. Of those attending Murray said 10-15% would actually receive an abatement on their property taxes from the local assessor. The meeting was organized by members of the WSTA after complaints from local residents on recent property tax bills. One resident who attended the meeting said the value of her home increased with her new tax bill by $42,000 in one year, in turn causing her tax bill to increase $154. Another resident, Jennifer Turmel of Hale Street said her property tax increased by 21% while other residents on her street had an increase of 11%. "My home is similar to every home on the street, but my value is estimated at $20,000 more," she said. Turmel was granted an abatement last year when she filed and said she intends on filing another abatement for this year. "There was no explanation as to how they came to the new figure," Turmel said. "I have a major problem with the whole process the taxpayer is not informed at all," she added. Murray said that the vast majority of people who file for an abatement and get turned down do nothing, but those wishing to pursue the matter may do so by appealing to the Appellate Tax Board. "If you are going to get a break you are more likely to get it from the local assessors then the Appellate Tax Board," Murray said adding that the fee for filing a petition with the Board was $100. Residents of West Springfield have until Feb. 1 to file abatements with the assessor. One resident asked why condominium property values increased by 22% the past year while the rest of the town increase was at 10%. Murray made it clear that he was not addressing a change in the tax rate but only the reduction in assessed value of an individual's home. Murray said a good question for tax payers to ask is, "Do assessors have you where you belong?" "Reduction in assessed value of a home leads to reduction in taxes," he said. Homes are assessed on Jan 1 of each year, the fiscal year begins July 1, the tax bills go out quarterly August, November, February, May. More information can be found through the WSTA. The WSTA defines itself with the following statement: "An association dedicated to good government and its relationship to the taxpayer. A non-partisan voice speaking to represent, the taxpayer. Through research and study, the Association stands to assist town government, which in turn serves you." The association can be contacted through the president, Victor E. Thomas at his e-mail vthomas123@aol.com. |