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Assessor - Tax Rate & Bill

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1. How is the tax rate calculated?

The tax rate, in its simplest form, is the tax levy divided by the town’s taxable valuation. This is called the Uniform Tax Rate. At the April Annual Town Meeting residents vote appropriations for the upcoming Fiscal Year. This is called the tax levy. The Assessor’s primary responsibility is to find the “full and fair cash value” of your property so that the taxpayer may pay only his/her fair share of taxes.

2. How will the new valuation affect my tax bill? If my assessment went down, how can my tax bill go up?

Individual assessments may rise or fall depending on the characteristics of the property. The purpose of mass appraisal is to value all property by the same standards at the same time to create an equitable distribution of the tax levy.

If the same amount of money is to be raised for the current year after a valuation update from the previous year, and each assessment has doubled, the tax rate would be cut in half. And vice versa, if each assessment decreased by 20%, and the same amount of money was to be raised, the tax rate would increase by 20%. Increases or decreases in assessed values to not cause a tax increase or decrease.

3. How can my tax bill go up more than 2.5%? Doesn’t Proposition 2.5 limit the tax increase?

Proposition 2.5 limits the amount of taxes Massachusetts communities can raise for the current year from the previous year’s levy limit. To this a town may add new growth (increased valuations caused by new construction, renovations or land use changes) and overrides voted by the town.

4. I cannot afford this tax bill (on fixed income, lost my job, have financial issues). Can’t the Assessors lower this assessment to accommodate this situation?

By law, the Assessors must value all property at 100% of full and fair cash value, using methodologies approved by the DOR applied consistently to every property. Properties need to be valued without regard to the owner’s ability to pay the taxes. For programs that are available for some tax relief, view the Exemptions and Abatement FAQ section.

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Assessor - Aspects of Property Valuation

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1. Where can I find the detail on my property?

Property record cards, which contain ownership information, visit history, land and building details, and other notes, and which display a property’s valuation, are available in the Assessors’ Office, 6 School Street Merrimac, MA 01860.

There is no charge for your own property record card. You can also view many of these details online using the link available on this website.

2. What do the assessors look at when determining an assessment?

The assessor collects many data elements about a property in order to develop the total valuation. The most significant factors in determining the value are location and land area and style, quality, size, condition and age of the building(s).

Other factors include amenities or detriments on the land as well as features in the building such as number of bathrooms, type of heating/cooling, interior/exterior finishes, and special features including fireplaces, saunas and jacuzzi's. Also considered are detached structures.

3. How do I know if my valuation is fair and equitable?

The best comparisons are to properties that have sold that are the most similar in the most aspects to your property. You can also compare your property’s assessment to the assessments of the most similar properties. Although properties will most likely never be a perfect match, assessments for similar properties should fall in a close range of valuations.

4. How can my assessed value increase or decrease when I did not do anything to the property in 5 years and I am not selling the property?

The assessed value represents the estimate of market value of the property. The real estate market changes constantly. The assessment for FY2009 represents the estimate of market value as of January 1, 2008. This estimate of market value is determined by examining sales of properties from calendar year 2007.

Although there may not have been any physical changes to the property, buyers may be paying more or less for properties than they were in previous years. The assessment changes reflect the changes in the purchase prices of similar homes in the neighborhood. The assessments do not predict market value. The assessments reflect (or report) market value. The real estate market can change dramatically from year to year. Buyers and sellers determine the market value of properties. The assessments reflect what the buyers and sellers are doing as of the assessment date.

5. What will happen if I put an addition on my property? Are the actual construction costs of a new home used to determine the new assessment?

Historical sales have indicated that larger properties sell for more than smaller properties with all other factors being equal. If an addition is put on a home, the house becomes larger. The assessors would then have to see what similarly sized properties were selling for in the neighborhood.

It is highly likely that the assessed value of your property will increase once the addition is put on the property. Generally speaking, improvements that increase the market value of a property will increase the assessment.

6. Why did my valuation change from the prior year’s valuation more or less than my neighbor’s?

Market value changes occur in many forms. From year to year economic conditions and local factors change and influence the values of different classes of property in different ways. Buyers have different requirements and these requirements sometimes change from year to year. Renovations may have been performed on a property that would cause a change in assessed value different from a similar property that did not undergo renovations.

A recent inspection by the Assessor’s office also may have contributed to a change in assessed value, perhaps adding something that had been missed or reducing something that was overstated. Your style or size or land area or other factor(s) may differ from your neighbor’s and that caused the valuation changes to differ.

7. I think my assessment is out of line with my neighbor’s property, whose property is assessed lower. I want my assessment to be as low as theirs.

The first step in comparing properties is to examine the factual components of each property. Many times properties that appear larger are in fact much smaller than people think. Quality characteristics should also be examined when making comparisons. Ultimately, the assessors have to determine in the assessment represents market value on the subject property and also if the assessed value on the neighbor’s property represents market value. If a neighboring property is too low in relation to surrounding properties, the assessors cannot compound their low assessment by also lowering surrounding properties.

The resolution may be that the assessors have to raise the neighboring property’s assessed value to make it more in line with the surrounding properties. The most important criterion the assessors examine in an abatement request is the market value of the property of the person filing the abatement and the market value of any property that the person filing the abatement mentions on the application.

8. I recently purchased my home for a price which is different than the valuation for this year. How is this possible?

The real estate market is not a “perfect market” and price is not always equal to value. Similar properties usually do not sell for exactly the same price because the motivations of buyers and sellers are not always similar. Similar properties usually tend to sell within a “value range” rather than for one specific price. According to the definition of fair market value, your value represents “the most probable selling price” and tends to be the middle of the range of what similar properties have recently sold for. Therefore, your appraised value could be higher or lower than what you actually paid for your property.

In addition, state laws (statues) require that real estate be assessed at 100% of market value as of January 1 immediately preceding the current fiscal year. This is the assessment date. The sales considered in order to determine the market value are those that took place during the calendar year prior to the assessment date. If your sale took place subsequent to the assessment date, it will be in the group of sales analyzed in the preparation of the following year’s valuations, and is not relevant to the current year’s valuation.

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Assessor - Assessor & Inspection Details

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1. Why does the Assessor need to enter my house?

A total inspection of all factors that influence the value results in the most accurate assessment of a property. We request the inspection in order to be as fair and accurate as possible. Items such as condition of the rooms, quality of the finish, areas of finished versus unfinished, can only be confirmed with an interior inspection. Without actual information, estimates of the interior information have to be made.

2. Will an inspection change the value of my house?

Depending on the accuracy of the current data about the property, it may or may not. However, the valuation for the current fiscal year will not be changed mid-year unless your property meets the strict qualifications for a supplemental tax bill (usually only major new construction).

3. What happens if I refuse to allow the property lister to enter my home?

You do not have to allow the assessors into your home. However, if an assessor is denied entrance, property owners give up their ability to challenge the assessed value.

4. Will I be penalized if I allow the assessors in and my neighbor does not?

In instances where the assessors do not get into a property, estimates are made about the condition of the interior of the property. Accurate assessments are based on accurate information. By allowing the assessors to view the interior and exterior of your property, your assessed value is based on accurate information.

If a person does not allow the assessors to view the interior and exterior of a property, estimates are made about the condition of the interior of the property, the kitchen and bath qualities, and where there is finished attic space and finished basement space. If the estimates are overstated, property owners may contact the assessor’s office to arrange an interior and exterior inspection of their property.

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Assessor - Exemptions & Abatements

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1. What’s the difference between an abatement and an exemption?

An exemption is a discharge from the obligation to pay all or part of a real estate tax based on certain age, income, military, or disability status as set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

An abatement happens as a result of an adjustment that lowers a property’s valuation after the actual (not preliminary) tax bill has been issued. Exemptions are available for seniors, low income seniors, surviving spouse or surviving minor child, veterans with disabilities, and blind persons.

2. Are there other ways to reduce my taxes?

There is also a tax deferral program available for older citizens. A personal exemption from the Community Preservation Surcharge is offered for low/moderate income households. Senior citizens can participate in the “senior tax work off” program. In addition, there are some funds in Merrimac that can provide relief to qualified property owners, and the state Circuit Breaker Tax Credit for seniors.

3. Does the property record card reflect any exemptions to which I may be entitled?

Property tax exemptions are available to qualifying taxpayers according the eligibility requirements determined by state law. Exemption information is not displayed on the property record card. Information on exemptions is available in the Assessors’ office or through the Assessors' webpage.

4. What if I feel the value of my property value is overstated?

This is when an owner would file for an abatement. There are 3 basic reasons for granting an abatement: data error(s), overvaluation, or inequitable assessment. An abatement application is not a complaint about taxes or how much your assessment has increased. It is an attempt to prove that your property’s estimated market value is inaccurate or unfair based on recent sales of comparable properties.

For detailed instructions on the application process view the Guidelines For Preparing an Abatement Application.

5. Do I have to apply for an abatement every year if I received one in the past?

Not necessarily. If a data correction or adjustment has been made that should be permanent, it will carry forward to the next and following years until such time as there is a change in the property and/or a change in the valuation methodology that affects that property. Therefore, it would not be necessary to reapply the following year(s).

If, however, a one-time adjustment were granted just for the current year, the assumption is that the adjustment does not carry forward into the next year. If the property owner then feels that the valuation is overstated in the following year, he/she must submit a new application.

6. What if I am not satisfied with the result of the abatement hearing?

A property owner may submit an appeal to the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board (ATB), whose telephone number is included in the notification of the Board’s decision.

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Assessor - The Assessment Process

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1. What is mass appraisal?

Assessors must value all real and personal property in the community to their full and fair cash value. Mass appraisal is the process used by every Massachusetts city and town to create the property assessments. Assessments are based on an analysis of Merrimac's entire real estate market for a specified period of time. This study guides the setting of valuation parameters that are used to calculate the property values town-wide. It differs from the more well-known “bank” or fee appraisal.

Although the appraisal concepts are the same and the results similar, the process is different. No particular sale or group of sales is used to determine the value of your property, but all of a certain calendar year’s sales are included in the analysis that set the parameters for the next fiscal year.

2. What is market value?

Market value, or full and fair cash value, is the most probable price for which a property will sell in an open, competitive market that a willing buyer will pay for a property to a willing seller, both acting knowledgeably and prudently and neither being under any obligation to buy or sell. Sales such as foreclosures and family sales are not considered to be “arms length” or fair market transactions.

3. When my neighbor’s house sells, will their price determine my assessment?

Not necessarily. As explained in the previous question, sales are analyzed town-wide. An example of what could be relevant is if there were several sales in an area indicating that the assessments were too low compared to the sales prices.

4. How often does the valuation of properties change?

Every year the Assessors subject the arms-length sales that occurred in the prior calendar year to a statistical examination based on market area, style of house, age of house, effective area, size of lot and sale price to see what changes the market has shown. The tables used in the Computer-Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system are adjusted so that the median assessment of the sales sample is within 10% of 100% of market value, and the dispersion of the assessments to sales ratios in the sample are within state guidelines. These new factors are then applied to all properties for the new Fiscal Year.

Every 3rd year the Department of Revenue (DOR) requires each city or town to conduct a revaluation. This is a year-long process during which the DOR examines every phase of the assessing operation before certifying the values. During the 2 years in between revaluations the Assessors may change the values if sales activity so indicates. These yearly updates are called Interim Year Adjustments. There was an adjustment to the values for FY 2009.

5. How is the calendar year different from the fiscal year?

Massachusetts cities and towns operate on a “Fiscal Year” basis. The calendar year runs from January 1 through December 31. The fiscal year goes from July 1st through June 30. The assessment date is January 1 preceding the fiscal year. That is, for Fiscal Year 2009 the assessment date is January 1, 2008.

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BOS

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1. How do I dispose of white goods?

Casella will pick up white goods on the first Friday of the month. You will need to purchase a bulk item sticker online. The fee is $20.00 for each item.

2. How do I dispose of household hazardous waste?

Household hazardous waste collection events are held in surrounding communities during the spring and fall and are open to non-residents.  Please see the calendar of events and contact information.

3. Who do I call if my trash or recycling is missed?

Please call Casella at 1-800-445-1318

4. Where do I purchase the town's PAYT trash bags?

• Town Line Convenience Store
  984 Amesbury Road
  Haverhill, MA 01830
  Phone: 978-372-4090
• Richdale
  2 Merrimac Square
  Merrimac, MA 01860
  Phone: 978-346-9780
• Towne Market
  14 Merrimac Square
  Merrimac, MA 01860
  Phone: 978-346-9458
• Merrimac Liquors
  123 E Main Street
  Merrimac, MA 01860
  Phone: 978-384-8365
• Stop and Shop
  100 Macy Street
  Amesbury, MA 01913
  Phone: 978-388-7588

5. Can I recycle flower pots?

People cannot change their habits without first changing their way of thinking,” says renowned organizing consultant Marie Kondo. The same goes for recycling! As you’re letting go of things that no longer spark joy this spring, take a minute to check our Recyclopedia. Plastic flower pots, for example, do not belong in the recycling bin. They are made from a variety of materials that makes them hard to sort. Instead, try donating them to a local nursery or re-purposing them! Check out www.RecycleSmartMA.com for more information of how to recycle smart this spring cleaning season, and then get outside and smell the flowers.

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Finance Department

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1. How do I see the budget for the Town?

Log on to the Finance Department page and click on the link for budgets

2. How do I sign up for health insurance?

See the Finance Department for the forms to complete.

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Inspectional Services

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1. How long does it take to issue a building permit?

The Building Commissioner has 30 days from date the permit and all supporting documents is completely received to issue a building permit.

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Playground

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1. Where will the playground be located?

A number of potential locations are being assessed as of July2016. There are number of criteria that we are using to determine the most suitable location:

-centrally located
-amount of land available
-town owned property
-level, clear area to minimize costs
-availability of parking

2. What is the status of the playground?

As of July2016, site plans are being developed with the help of several vendors. Site plans will then be submitted to the Planning Board for approval.

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Senior Center

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1. Transportation

Transportation is provided for medical appointments for seniors and disabled ersons at $.40 per mile, $1.00 within the town of Merrimac (one way). 48 hours notice per local request for ride and 1 week minimum for long distance (examples: North Shore, Burlington, Boston). Call the senior center 978.346.9549 to request a ride. We provide transportation by van (wheelchair accessible) and by use of volunteer drivers from Northern Essex Elder Transport.

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Tax Collector

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1. What is the FY2016 Tax rate?

The FY2016 Tax rate is $16.16

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Trash and Recycling

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1. When will trash be picked up?

Place trash curbside before 7 a.m. on your pick up day. Truck routes and schedules are subject to change without notice and times of pickups are not guaranteed on a weekly basis. Trash on private property will not be picked up - must be curbside. Town trash bags may be purchased at Town Market, Town Line Convenience-Haverhill, Stop and Shop-Amesbury, Merrimac Liquors, and Richdale.

2. Who do I call if my trash and/or recycling is missed?

Please call Casella at 1-800-445-1318.

3. How do I dispose of household hazardous waste?

Merrimac does not hold an event.  Please refer to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection calendar for open events in other towns.

4. How do I dispose of Mercury?

Mercury won't harm you or the environment as long as it stays inside the product and is handled properly when you're finished with it. Contact the Board of Health with questions on Mercury Disposal. 

5. Where can I drop off leaves or brush?

Leaves, grass clippings and brush may be dropped off at the Yard Waste Site located on Battis Road. Permits are required and may be purchased at the Selectmen’s Office located at 4 School Street. For more information including dates and times the site is open, please visit the link.

6. How do I dispose of a Christmas tree?

Christmas Trees can be dropped off on Mill St. Sticker is not required.

7. When and how is curbside recycling pickup handled?

Every other week - recyclables (glass - all colors - newspapers, magazines, junk mail, office paper, computer paper and paper board [cereal and cracker boxes], cardboard, steel and tin cans, aluminum containers, plastics Number 1 through Number 7. Everything must be in the recycling bin as nothing outside of the bin will be collected.  Styrofoam, packing peanuts, plastic bags and films are not recyclable curbside. Recycling will be collected on the same day as the trash collection every other week. Please view the street listing to determine your recycling week. http://townofmerrimac.com/269/Recycling-Street-List Place recycling and trash curbside before 7 a.m. on your pickup day. Trash collection is weekly and recycling is every other week.  For curbside recycling schedule and information http://townofmerrimac.com/268/Recycling

8. What happens if there is inclement weather?

Information in regard to trash/recycling delays will be posted on the Town's website in addition to the Town’s Facebook page. We suggest you sign up for website notifications so you are alerted if a change is warranted.

9. How do I recycle computers and televisions?

Please visit the link. 

10. Does the town offer curbside leaf collection?

No, you can take yard waste to the Battis Rd. Yard Waste Site. 

11. Where do I find information about the yard waste site?

Please visit the link. 

12. How do I dispose of Household Appliances?

Included but are not limited to: refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, heaters, air conditioners, humidifiers/de-humidifiers, etc. can be picked up curbside on the first Friday of the month. Residents must purchase a $20 bulk sticker at the Selectmen’s Office. 

13. What is a bulk item?

A large item that will not fit in a bag.  Examples are sofa, armchair, mattress, etc. You must purchase a sticker at the Selectmen’s office.  Bulk items are picked up curbside on your regular trash day. Please refer to this list of bulk items for disposal information.

14. How many bulk items can I put out?

There is no limit to bulk items. You must purchase a sticker at the Selectmen’s Office. Please refer the bulk item list. /DocumentCenter/View/982/Bulk-Item-Pricing

15. Where can I get a recycling bin?

The Town of Merrimac supplies one 96-gallon blue recycling bin to residential units. that receive curbside recycling pickup. Please call 978-346-0525 if you need a bin. Additional bins are not available at this time. 

16. Will my trash be delayed on a holiday week?

Please refer to the collection calendar found on the Trash and Recycling page.  

 

17. What do I do if I receive a defective trash bag?

For issues with bag quality, please call Wastezero at 1-800-866-3954.  They should provide a replacement as well as investigate the source of the problem with the store you purchased it from.   

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Water

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1. Why is my water bill so high?

1. Have you checked for leaking faucets or a running toilet? Depending on water pressure in your home, a running toilet can leak 1 gallon of water per minute which adds up to 1,440 gallons a day!
2. Did you install an irrigation system? Doe sit have a leak? A small leak in your automatic irrigation system can waste Approx. 6,300 gallons of water a month.
3. Have you had house guests for a an extended period of time? On average, a person uses 65 gallons of water per day.
4. During the summer months, are you watering your lawn more frequently? Running your sprinkler for just one hour can use 400 gallons of water. If you are using a hose to water, did you forget to turn it off for an extended amount of time?
5. Did you fill a swimming pool with a garden hose? Did you pressure wash your house, deck or driveway? At four gallons per minute, pressure washing for four hours can use @960 gallons.
6. Did you know? A household faucet on full stream can use 2-5 gallons per minute.
7. Check appliances' connecting hoses and faucets for leaks. Even a pinhole leak wastes up to 170 gallons a day!
8. A leaking toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day and a leaking faucet can waste up to 200 gallons per month!

2. How often are the Water and Sewer Bills sent out?

Water and Sewer Bills are quarterly. January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, October 1st

3. How do I pay my Water and Sewer Bill?

1.You may pay your bill in person by check or cash at 4 School Street (Town Hall) 2.You may pay online at the town’s website – www.townofmerrimac.com. Once online, choose the pay bills on the left hand side. You can either pay by electronic check or by credit card. There is a .50 charge to pay by electronic check. If you pay by credit card please note there is a fee to process this payment. The fee schedule is on this site. This fee is imposed by the online payment center, not the town. 3.You may also contact your bank directly and have them issue a check through your checking account. If you do this, please make sure they have the correct mailing address and account number. 4.You can mail your check to Water Department 4 School Street, Merrimac Ma 01860. 5.You can also drop your payment in the drop slot at the entrance of the Town Hall on the wall to the right of the door, which is always available.