Governor Maura T. Healey signed into law Massachusetts’ first tax cuts in more than 20 years on October 4, 2023. The $1 billion package includes key proposals that Governor Healey has long championed and introduced in her tax cuts proposal in March, including the Title V (Septic) Tax Credit – which triples the maximum credit to $18,000, increases the percentage of eligible expenses from 40% to 60%; and allows taxpayers to claim up to $4,000 in any year, versus $1,500 in current law.
In the weeks ahead, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll will be visiting communities across the state to make sure Massachusetts residents know that savings are coming their way. Learn more about the ‘Cutting Taxes, Saving You Money’ statewide tour and all provisions of the tax cuts package via Mass.gov, here: https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-first-tax-cuts-in-more-than-20-years
Planning for Sewer Connection in Barnstable
As sewer-related construction continues to progress throughout Town, you may be wondering how the Title V (Septic) Tax Credit impacts you.
The Town of Barnstable is currently operating within Year 2 of its first 10-Year Phase as outlined in the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. To-date we have two active construction projects as dictated by the adaptive Sewer Expansion Plan schedule – the Strawberry Hill Road Sewer Expansion Project and the Route 28 East Sewer Expansion Project. Once completed, these two projects will usher in the first wave of sewer connections to the expanded municipal sewer system.
As a property owner, you have responsibilities in this process. Upon project completion, property owners will be responsible for hiring a licensed sewer installer to complete the connection from the sewer service stub left at their property line to the building on your property. To assist, we’ve broken down the sewer connection process into eight, manageable steps, view them on our Sewer Service Connection page, here.
Connection Financing and Support
We understand that septic to sewer conversion can be expensive. That’s why the Town of Barnstable is continuously exploring every option available to reduce costs to residents.
Property owners connecting to new sewer service are responsible for the following costs: a one-time Sewer Assessment, costs associated with connecting the sewer service to your property, and fees for using sewer service once activated. Each of these costs is explained, including financing alternatives, loan programs and situational deferment options, on our Anticipated Costs page, here.
The Department of Public Works is here to educate, guide, and equip property owners throughout construction and the sewer connection process. Have additional questions? Contact us at WaterResources@town.barnstable.ma.us or by calling DPW directly at 508-790-6400
