[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of
the Town of Ashland as indicated in article histories. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 11-29-2006 ATM, Art. 17]
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 59A of
Chapter 59 of the General Laws, it is the intent of the Town to offer
tax abatements to encourage the continued environmental cleanup and
redevelopment of sites zoned for industrial and commercial use from
or at which there has been a release of oil or hazardous material.
Property which may be the subject of tax abatement
agreements pursuant to this Article must:
[Amended 11-20-2019 STM, Art. 13]
A.
The Treasurer/Collector is hereby authorized to negotiate
agreements from the abatement of real estate taxes (hereinafter "Abatement
Agreements") with owners of eligible properties, the terms of which
Abatement Agreements shall be subject to approval by the Select Board
for abatements not exceeding $50,000. Abatements above this amount
shall also be subject to approval of Town Meeting. Abatement Agreements
may allow for reductions in outstanding taxes, interest and/or penalties.
Abatement Agreements shall include but not be limited to:
(1)
The amount of outstanding real estate taxes;
(2)
The percent of interest to accrue if determined applicable
by the Treasurer/Collector and the property owner;
(3)
The description of quantifiable monthly payments;
(4)
The inception date of monthly payments;
(5)
The date of the final payment;
(6)
The late penalties to be imposed; and
(7)
Any and all other contractual terms as arranged between
the Treasurer/Collector and the property owner.
B.
All Abatement Agreements shall be signed by the Chairman
of the Select Board and the property owner, whose signatures shall
be notarized, and attested to by the Town Clerk. Copies of all Abatement
Agreements shall be provided to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the
Massachusetts Commissioner of Revenue, the Select Board and the property
owner.
