A proposed property tax increase could bring in more revenue for the Community Preservation Act, which in turn invests in Somerville’s public spaces, among other things.

By Parker Garlough

Somerville voters may see a new referendum on the ballot this November. The proposed ballot measure would increase the surcharge that is collected from property owners for the Community Preservation Act from 1.5% to 3% of their property taxes. If enacted, the average single-family home would pay $93 each year.

The Community Preservation Act, which has been operating in Somerville for 10 years, established a fund to construct and improve upon affordable housing, and outdoor recreation areas, as well as maintaining historically significant buildings.

In the past ten years, CPA has established more than 80 affordable housing units and is in the process of constructing more than 150 more, CPA manager Roberta Cameron said at a City Council meeting on Thursday. They also partner with multiple housing assistance organizations.

CPA is responsible for implementing the Outdoor Recreation Plan, and they invest in the preservation of historic landmarks such as the Prospect Hill tower. In 2023, they contributed funding to 4 outdoor recreation areas, including the Somerville Junction Park expansion. In addition, they contributed funding to 6 historic preservation projects, including the facade of Mudflat Studio.

The proposed surcharge increase would mitigate a revenue shortage that prevents the CPA from granting urgently needed requests for funding, said Cameron. In addition, it would compensate for the increasing cost of land and construction.

The majority of CPA’s funding does not come from this surcharge: since 2014, it has generated $24 million in funding from local revenue (primarily the surcharge), $7 million from state funds, and $300 million from other sources, such as grants. However, a decrease in local revenue could put other revenue sources at risk, Cameron said.

Low-income households may apply for a total exemption to the surcharge, and this would continue to be true if the surcharge increase were implemented. Councilors worried that residents may not be aware of this exemption, and that the application process could place undue difficulty on families that qualify.

At the same City Council meeting on Thursday, councilors also approved a resolution in support of the decriminalization of certain natural psychedelics – which will be on the ballot statewide – and a resolution pledging to work with the Cannabis Control Commission to secure a license for an establishment where customers could consume marijuana onsite, which would be the first of its kind in Massachusetts if granted. Other topics discussed included service issues on the D and E branches of the Green Line, summer recreation programs for children, and the Week of Visibility for Non-Monogamy (July 15-21).