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.