|
|
|
|
Moore, Legislature continue relief efforts for Bernat Mill Complex Fire
November 15, 2007... In an effort to ensure the Town of Uxbridge has the necessary tools to continue recovery efforts related to July's Bernat Mill Complex Fire, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, and his colleagues in the Senate today gave final approval to authorize the Town of Uxbridge to abate the property taxes associated with the Complex. "I am grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature, who are continuing to alleviate the burdens placed upon the Uxbridge taxpayer, myself included, as a result of this devastating fire," said Moore. "While this legislation was a crucial step in the recovery process, it is by no means the last. We must continue to work with the various state and federal agencies to compensate for the economic impact this disaster is sure to have on the Blackstone Valley." The bill passed in the Legislature today provides tax relief to affected Uxbridge taxpayers by setting the value of real and personal property, for tax purposes, as the value immediately following the fire. For the businesses that lost all otherwise taxable property, the bill effectively exempts them from fiscal year 2008 taxes. Property owners who already made their first quarter payment will get a refund, and only the land will be taxed at the Uxbridge mill. The language contained in the legislation passed today works in conjunction with a previous supplemental budget, passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor, which included $577,000 for Uxbridge in order to cover costs associated with the fire. In addition to the $35,000 included for the abatement, those costs included public safety expenses for Uxbridge and over 60 responding communities, in addition to school department losses. The legislation now goes to Gov. Deval L. Patrick for his consideration. Sen. Moore has established a special section on his website at www.senatormoore.com/uxbridge for residents to visit and obtain relevant information. |
