There is an item on my tax bill called “CPA Charge”. What is that?
The term “CPA Charge” refers to The Community Preservation Act surcharge approved by the voters of the City of Newton beginning in Fiscal Year 2002. This surcharge is 1% of the total property tax due for the parcel. This surcharge, approved by a majority of City of Newton voters, is for the acquisition and preservation of open space, recreational land, affordable housing, and historic properties. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts will match the amount collected by the City of Newton up to but not to exceed 100% of the total surcharge money collected. There is a committee set up to review requests for use of the Community Preservation Act money collected. The Committee name is the Community Preservation Committee. This committee then makes recommendations to the Newton Board of Aldermen. The Newton Board of Aldermen has the final say as to how the Community Preservation Act funds are distributed and utilized.
