City Council

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK City of Fitchburg Dec 09 2024 3:26 pm Massachusetts 01420 CITY COUNCIL President Councillors at Large Anthony M. Zarrella Ward Councillors Sally H. Cragin Ward 1 – Bernard J. Schultz III Marcus L. DiNatale Vice President Ward 2 – Paul R. Beauchemin Amy L.Green Andrew J. Van Hazinga Ward 3 – Andrew J. Couture Elizabeth R. Walsh Ward 4 – Andrew J. Van Hazinga Anthony M. Zarrella Ward 5 – Marisa R. Fleming Ward 6 – Derrick J. Cruz The Special Meeting of the City Council was held in the Legislative Building, 700 Main Street, and called to order by President Anthony Zarrella at 6:20 PM. The Salute to the Flag was led by Councilor DiNatale. The City Clerk called the roll, seven (7) Councilors were present, Councilor Cragin arrived at 6:28 PM, Councilor Fleming, Schultz, Cruz, and Green were absent. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. PUBLIC FORUM This meeting will be open to the public. Persons who wish to participate remotely in the Public Forum portion of the meeting may request a remote attendance link by contacting the City Clerk at cityclerk@fitchburgma.gov. There was not public comment made. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- President Zarrella read the Warrant for the Special Meeting. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HEARING – CLASSIFICATION AND TAXATION OF PROPERTY Hearing opened at 6:22 PM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assessors Chris Paquette and Ryan Beauvais were present to answer any questions posed by the Council. Discussion ensued regarding various related topics including the levy ceiling, home valuation, commercial growth and economic development. They referenced the FY2024 classification and taxation hearing booklet. A link to view this booklet: https://www.fitchburgma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16035/FY2025-Classification-Book Tax Classification hearing closed at 6:58 PM. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A motion made and seconded to adopt a 0% shift to keep the rate of 100% classification passed by unanimous consent 7/0. 7 members present. Board consists of 11 members. Note: 100% classification shift for FY2025 results in a single residential commercial/Industrial/Personal tax rate of $13.51, subject to approval by the Department of Revenue. The meeting adjourned at 6:59 P.M. ___________________________________ Joanna Bilotta-Simeone, City Clerk