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Reminder Assistant Editor WESTFIELD For the first time this week, the city's newly formed Tax Enforcement Working Group under the direction of Mayor Michael Boulanger will meet to discuss a definitive course of action to recoup delinquent property taxes. In an interview with Reminder Publications, Boulanger explained that by forming this group, comprised of a member of the city's law department, the city treasurer, collector, assessor and the mayor himself, will help the city to prioritize each delinquency in order to collect these much-needed revenue streams. He noted that during these strenuous fiscal times and diminishing state aid, every cent counts. Boulanger explained that by forming this task force it would help the city to remain steadfast in its mission to increase communication and effective management of city business under his leadership. "Anything that is going to improve collections is a good idea," Mike MacMahon, city collector, said. MacMahon added, however, that the percentage of delinquent property taxes each fiscal year is less than three percent since fiscal year 2005 (FY05). He noted that in FY08, the property tax levy was $49.6 million and the city collected $49.2 million or 99.1 percent. MacMahon said he has yet to place delinquent properties in tax title since FY05. He noted that 29 accounts were placed in tax title that year. City Treasurer Gregory Kallfa explained that by taking a proactive approach of the tax title accounts over the past several years, the city has been able to foreclose on various properties and recoup lost revenue through auctions. He noted that recent auctions of properties such as 15 Lynwood Dr., the Westfield Woodworking Company on Coleman Avenue, 4 King Place and properties on Summit Lock Road and Shepard Street have allowed the city to recoup approximately $552,000. "We're fortunate to get rid of delinquent property [as] our property values are still attractive," Kallfa said. "When we have an auction we have a good representation of [investors] who want to renovate [these properties] and excel them." Kallfa said during FY08 the city also foreclosed on six additional properties 16 Clinton Ave., 48 Meadow St., 0 Falcon Dr., 0 City View Blvd., 0 Ascutney Ave., and lots 132-133 on Bristol St. that will be up for auction in the near future. He added that the city has also recently foreclosed on City Cleaners of Westfield on School Street. Kallfa said he believes that the Tax Enforcement Working Group will help city officials to better prioritize tax title accounts on a case-by-case basis. He cautioned, however, that neither he nor the group is "looking to scare anybody" into repayment or foreclosure. Kallfa said this group will be sure to focus their attention on each case and speak with property owners in order to have a better understanding of their situations and work out a course of action. Boulanger said the Tax Enforcement Working Group will be meeting once each month at City Hall. |
