Town Committee Pushes for Classification
On September 27, 2004 the appointed, Classification Committee presented their findings to the Board of Selectmen. Sighting a perceived "undervaluations" of commercial properties, the committee recommended a split rate, raising commercial taxes over 30%.
As requested, last June, a group of CBA members met with the committee to express some concerns of the local businesses. The CBA also submitted a formal statement reinforcing our position:
There is no rational or equitable basis for tax classification. This is and has been the position of the Chelmsford Business Association since its inception, and this position has been recognized by the town's enlightened Board of Selectmen and Board of Assessors for years. It is a position supported by the report of the 1995 Tax Classification Committee.
Tax classification is the simple answer to rising real estate values which result in increased tax burdens for commercial property owners as well as the residents. And while the immediate result may be appeasement of the residents, in time the effectiveness of tax classification wanes, and the tax burden is once again shouldered equally by the residents and the businesses, as the values of commercial properties are suppressed.
Tax classification is blatantly unfair, it is based upon an unfounded perception that business owners have greater financial success then others in the community. This even while we are your neighbors living in the same neighborhood in homes of similar quality and value with our children attending the same public schools. There is just no support for this position. It is punishment of the few by the many, our only crime is having taken the chances and the risks of self-employment.
Taxes are imposed by communities to support the expenses of the business of the community, expenses such as schools, fire and police protection, trash and sewer service and the like. Commercial property owners presently pay taxes at the same as residents, yet for our fire and police protection we suffer innumerable fees and inspections, and as business owners we do not send children to the schools and we do not have the benefit of municipal trash removal. A viable argument under such circumstances could be made that commercial property should in fact be taxed at a lower tax rate.
It is also indisputable that the imposition of tax classification creates a greater burden on the small business person then on larger property owners. It affects our bottom line, our ability to provide employment opportunities and our ability to conveniently provide to the residents of Chelmsford within the community the necessities and the services they need and desire.
The small Chelmsford business owner is with exception a resident of Chelmsford. We attend religious services in Chelmsford, we educate our children in Chelmsford, we support the sports and activities in Chelmsford and we are proud to be a part of the Chelmsford community.
We are your neighbors and we want to be treated fairly. As members of this committee we implore you to put aside your preconceived notions, examine this issue candidly and fairly. When you do, it will be obvious that tax calcification in not in the best interest of Chelmsford.
Thank you.
From the President
Jeff Hardy, CBA President
Hello and happy fall.
First things first, it gives me great pleasure to announce that the Chelmsford Business Association has its highest membership in the history of the organization. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank all of you for your continued support as we continue to grow. A special thanks goes out to our secretary Kim,
who worked hard to encourage some of our new members.
As you all know by now, the issue of classification has surfaced once again. Be assured this organization will do everything in its power to prevent the unfair treatment of the business community in this town, but we need everyone's participation in this matter. Unfortunately a very small, but loud group of resident has taken on a crusade to vilify the businesses of this town, without actually understanding all the facts and effects of classification, or acknowledging the unselfish contributions we all make as business owners and residents of this town. I encourage all of you to continue to support your local organizations and charities. The majority of this town appreciates the hard work you do and please don't be discouraged by a few vocal, small-minded people.
On the lighter side of things, I hope everyone who participated in our annual golf outing will join me in thanking Bill Gilet and his committee for another wonderful day. The weather once again cooperated nicely and everyone seemed to have a great time.
This being my last newsletter as your President, I write this with a sense of great pride, as well as sadness. I have enjoyed representing the business community in this great town and I thank all of you for giving me this privilege. We are blessed with a board of directors who truly care about this organization and the entire community. On a personal note, I want to thank each and every board member, for the support you have given to me. Not only have I enjoyed the work we've done together, but also more importantly the friendships we have all developed. Again, thank you all it has been a blast!
Sincerely,
Jeff
CBA Golf Social
Sunny and warm, the CBA must be having it's golf social. As usual, the day was absolutely beautiful. Winners were as follows:
Women's Division
Diana McGuinness Tricia Pomerleau
Karen Bernard Linda Galeotahanza
Men's Division
Sal Lupoli
John Dixon
George Dixon
Mark Duffy
Mixed Division
Dave Roberts
Elaine Roberts
Brenda Avila
Mitch Avila
Long Drive - Men
John Dixon
Long Drive - Women
Sissy Cronk
Closest to the Pin
Sal Lupoli
Thanks to Kathy O'Brien for her help every year with the golf registration and to Mark Duffy for putting the tee sponsor signs out. I would like to recognize and thank those restaurants that donated the gift certificates that are given out each year. They are Bainbridges Restaurant, Glenview Pub and Grill, Szechuan Chef, Ground Round, Vincenzos Restaurant, Hong Kong and Sal's Just Pizza. Thanks also goes out to the 34 tee sponsors because without them the social would be almost impossible to have. A special prize was given this year by John Chemaly, John Gallano, and Steve Mallotte; 6 Spinners Tickets.
Chelmsford Country Club, as most should agree, has come a long way and has become a nice place to play golf.
I was pleased to see so many of our members enjoying the day, but next year I would like to see more players. Whether you consider yourself a golfer or not, join in, mix with everyone and more importantly, have fun.
Bill Gilet and the Golf Committee
Editor's Column
This will be my last editors column. I am stepping down from the board of directors. My term is up and I truly believe new people and new ideas keep a organization fresh and current. When I suggested that the CBA should have a newsletter the, then Board of Directors quickly agreed and just as quickly suggested I become the editor. I have had the job ever since. I have throughly enjoyed being the editor mostly because of the wonderful people I have had the pleasure of working with. All the Board of Directors over the years have been quick to help whenever asked.
I will pass my pen along to whomever would like the position. I will also be more than willing to offer assistance in anyway to the new editor.
I will of course continue to attend the CBA functions debates, and socials. To quote are outgoing President "it has been a blast"
Kathy O'Brien
Editor
Tax Classification
If a 30 to 40% increase in your commercial property taxes will have an effect on your business, please call or email one or all of the following selectmen.
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Stuart G. Weisfeldt
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978-256-7902
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William F. Dalton
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978-251-3259
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Philip M. Eliopoulos
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978-256-2388
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Michael F. McCall
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978-251-3157
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Thomas A. Newcomb
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978-256-4748
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On November 1, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. in room 204, at the Chelmsford Town Hall, the Selectmen will be voting to set the classification rate. It is imperative that attend this most important meeting to show unity within the business community as the most significant tax rate is being set.
If you have any questions, please call the Chelmsford Business Association Office at 978-250-3858.
