by Paula Porten North Andover taxpayers should thank Steve Dawe for discovering an error in the town’s financial record keeping that will result in reimbursements totaling $676,538. Steve Dawe is a member of the North Andover Finance Committee and as the Committee was composing its Annual Town Warrant in preparation for town meeting, Steve noticed the error while putting together the tax bill formula. Upon receipt of the proposition 2 ½ override list from Joyce Hanlon, North Andover’s Finance Director, Steve noticed that the Sargent School Planning/Design expenditure was included on the list. After inquiring as to whether the Town of North Andover ever voted for a proposition 2 1/2 override for the Sargent School Planning/Design, Steve was told: No. Without this override vote, it became clear that the town had been using the wrong calculation of the permissible property tax levy resulting in an overpayment of $676,538 by taxpayers. This error also impacted the upcoming FY05 budget: it was now out of balance by $168,938. While the FY05 shortfall has now been corrected, the $676,538 in excess tax collections still needs to be reimbursed. To accomplish this the town has asked the Department of Revenue to grant the town four years to reimburse the taxpayers beginning with the FY06 budget. Hhhhmmmm, … when taxpayers owe the town taxes do they get 5 years to come up with the money? The Community Preservation
Commission will also have to recalculate budget numbers
because its 3% surcharge was based upon a faulty tax
levy. North Andover Taxpayers should come to town meeting
on May 10th at the New High School to thank Steve for
being so meticulous … and saving them $676,538.00
Now when did you say they will get paid? Send your questions
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