Tax bills sent in Chicopee

CHICOPEE - Real estate and personal property tax bills have been mailed to residents early with a Dec. 4 due date, City Collector Carole J. Harms and the Board of Assessors announced Monday.

Bills are dated Nov. 4.

"The bills were mailed early in order to give people the maximum amount of time to pay their bills. This will particularly help people who are retired and receive Social Security or pension payments on the first half of the month because they will have two

checks to use to pay their bill," said Harms.

The new values are based on sales in the city in 2008. The bills were calculated using the new assessed values and the residential tax rate of $13.63 per $1,000 and the commercial tax rate of $28.95 per $1,000.

Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette said "Some people will receive an increase in some bills and some people will see a decrease. But, the average tax bill will go down $27."

"Anyone who disagrees with an assessed value may contact the assessors' office for an abatement application. The application must be filed by Dec. 4, 2009 and the assessor's will make an appointment to visit the property and consequently complete an in-depth analysis of the value," said Assessor Laura J. McCarthy.

The Board of Assessors issued a reminder that exemptions are available for senior citizens over the age of 65, widows and widowers, veterans with war-time related disabilities, and individuals who are blind.

Deadline for filing exemption applications for fiscal 2010 is Feb. 4, 2010.

"Any senior citizen over the age of 65 who has limited income and assets may be eligible for an exemption. Single individuals must have income less than $25,562 and assets less than $42,808, excluding the house. Married couples must have income less than $38,343 and assets less than $58,860 excluding the house. Also, widows and widowers and senior citizens over 70 who have assets less than $40,000 may be eligible for an exemption," said Assessor Virginia Robak .

Additional information may be obtained by calling any of the assessors at (413) 594-1430.