Housatonic Improvement Committee Endorses Tax Exemption Proposals

The Housatonic Improvement Committee (HIC) has voted to endorse proposals for a residential tax exemption and a seasonal community designation in Great Barrington. This decision emerged from a request by Great Barrington Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove for feedback on both initiatives from local committees. During their meeting on February 17, 2024, HIC members reviewed public comments regarding the proposals.

The discussion on the residential tax exemption (RTE) was led by Maureen Meier, who highlighted the ongoing interest in such exemptions. “For years, there has been interest on and off in residential exemptions. I think it’s a really good idea,” Meier stated. She expressed confidence that negative feedback on the proposal should not deter progress.

According to data presented by Emily Schilling, the Great Barrington Town Assessor, properties qualifying for the RTE would have a portion of their assessment exempted from taxation. Should the Great Barrington Selectboard approve the exemption, full-time residents could benefit from an annual property value reduction of up to 35 percent, thereby lowering their tax bills.

Meier emphasized the potential positive impact of the exemption on residents facing financial difficulties. “Right now in Massachusetts, people at the lowest end of income are paying a larger percentage of their total income for property taxes,” she noted. Many long-term residents find their property values—and tax obligations—have increased significantly, while their incomes remain stagnant.

While the public response to the RTE was largely supportive, concerns were raised regarding the implications for second-home owners. Schilling indicated that as the residential tax exemption reduces residential value from taxation, the overall tax rate for the remaining taxpayers would need to increase. This shift would place a heavier financial burden on second-home owners and other non-primary residential taxpayers.

Meier addressed these concerns, stating, “Second-home owners come here and enjoy services that the rest of us work to provide year-round. I think in some ways that is their fair share, to ask them to pay more.” One participant, identifying herself as a second-home owner from Pennsylvania, acknowledged the potential financial impact but underscored her secure status regarding her primary residence.

The Great Barrington Selectboard is set to vote on the RTE and exemption rate in November 2024. Residents interested in benefiting from the exemption must opt into the program.

Seasonal Community Designation Could Enhance Tax Benefits

The discussion shifted to the proposed seasonal community designation for Great Barrington, which qualifies as of December 2025. This designation is part of the Affordable Home Act, enacted by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey in August 2024. It aims to assist communities facing seasonal housing pressures, particularly concerning affordability issues for local workers and primary residents.

Ben Elliot, a representative from the Selectboard, explained that opting into this designation could provide numerous benefits, including an increase in the tax exemption rate for primary residents. “We could go to 35 percent for the residential tax exemption. If we become a seasonal community, we go to 50 percent,” Elliot noted, emphasizing that the final decision rests with the Selectboard.

Attendees at the meeting expressed support for the seasonal community designation, which will be subject to a vote at the annual Town Meeting in May 2024.

HIC Seeks New Member Following Resignation

In a separate matter, the HIC is looking to fill a vacancy left by member Amanda Giracca, who recently resigned. HIC Chair Sara Parker acknowledged Giracca’s contributions but did not elaborate on the reasons for her departure. Individuals interested in joining the committee can reach out to Parker at [email protected].

The Housatonic Improvement Committee’s endorsements reflect ongoing efforts to address housing affordability and community support in Great Barrington, aiming to create a more inclusive environment for all residents.