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Archives

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1. How do I get help with looking up my ancestors?

The members of the Archives Committee will search all the city’s records for information about your ancestor: vital records, naturalizations, property information, military service records, and more.

2. How does the Archives Committee charge for its services?

The Archives Committee charges $0.50 a page for photocopied material mailed to the researcher. It also relies totally on contributions from the public to maintain the records and to purchase materials.

3. Can I do my own research?

The public is certainly welcome to come into the Gloucester Archives and use whatever records are available.

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Assessor

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1. When are the tax bills issued and due?

The tax bills are issued on July 1, October 1, January 1 and April 1. Payments are due 30 days from the date of issue.

2. What if I do not agree with my assessment?

Talk with an assessor to review your property record card, discuss what factors were considered and review comparable sales. You may request an inspection.

3. What if, after the bill is issued, I still do not agree with my assessment?

You will need to file an abatement application with the Assessor's Office after receiving the actual tax bill (January 1) and before the due date of that bill (typically February 1).

4. What is a revaluation?

A revaluation is an update of all assessments of Real and Personal Property in the City conducted under the direction of the Board of Assessors and the Assistant Assessor. The revaluation process consists of data collection, sales analysis and application of the results in a fair and equitable manner.

5. Why is a revaluation necessary?

Annual revaluation of properties ensures that the community complies with Department of Revenue requirements that assessments reflect fair market value within a 10% margin. The annual revaluation allows assessments to keep pace with market trends.

6. Will all property values change?

Not all property values will change at the same rate. Depending on market trends, some neighborhoods and/or property types may increase in value while others may decrease or remain the same. Also, new market data may show that adjustments need to be made to certain areas or property types to reflect current market values, even if those changes seem to contradict the prevailing trends.

7. Is it necessary that you view the inside of my property?

It is desirable that an assessor see the inside as well as the outside of the property. The law requires that property be valued based on the best information available. If an interior inspection is not available, then the value will be based on an exterior inspection and review of the historical information on the property record card.

8. What is market value?

Market value is the price a willing buyer and a willing seller would settle upon in an open market transaction assuming reasonable exposure to the market and that no special circumstances or undue stimulus are involved.

9. What if there hasn't been a recent arm's lenght sale of my property?

The best evidence is arm's length sales of reasonably comparable properties. These are properties similar to yours in location, age, style, condition, quality and other features that affect market value, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and building size.

10. What if there are no reasonably comparable sales?

We will then consider all other factors that may affect the market value of your property. The replacement value of your building(s), less any depreciation, plus the value of the land could be used to estimate value. Income and expenses are analyzed and utilized for the valuation of rental, commercial and industrial properties.

11. Will the actual construction cost be considered?

Your construction cost is a historical figure that may or may not reflect the current market value of your property. It is one element that will be considered in conjunction with cost manuals and available market data.

12. What will happen to my assessment if I improve my property?

Generally speaking, improvements that increase the market value of a property will increase the assessment.

13. Will my assessment go up if I repair my property?

Routine maintenance will help retain the market value of your property, but may not affect your assessment. Substantial repairs, however, may affect the assessed value.

14. How can my assessment change when I haven't done anything to my property?

Property assessments may change based on the analysis of market conditions as of the assessment date even if no physical changes have been made.

15. What evidence do I need to present to the Board of Assessors when filing for an abatement?

State law puts the burden of proof on the property owner to show that the assessment is incorrect. Simply stating that your property taxes are too high is not adequate. Evidence in support of your contentions must be submitted and may include but is not limited to suitable comparable sales, income and expense information and or a timely appraisal.

16. Why does my assessment value differ from my bank appraisal?

Fee appraisers typically value your property as of a current date. Assessors are mandated to conduct mass appraisal based on an assessment date of January 1. Mass appraisal requires extensive analysis of the real estate market for a specific time frame and adjustments are made to a variety of factors to affect all properties based on many components. Market conditions are constantly changing, therefore, valuations based on different effective dates would be expected to vary.

17. How will my taxes change as a result of the new assessment?

Although the value of your property affects your share of taxes, the actual amount you pay is determined each year when the tax rate is set and approved within the limits of Proposition 2 ½. Your property taxes are determined by multiplying the assessed value by the tax rate per thousand dollars of assessed valuation.

18. Who must pay the CPA surcharge?

The CPA surcharge (voted at 1% of the annual property tax bill) is paid by all residential, commercial and industrial property owners.

19. How is the CPA surcharge calculated?

The following hypothetical example illustrates the calculation of the 1% surcharge for a residential property (showing the $100,000 exemption):

Assessed value: $300,000
Less residential exemption $100,000
CPA taxable value: $200,000
x Tax Rate: 10.00
Net Tax: $2,000.00
x 1% .01
Annual CPA Surcharge $ 20.00

The surcharge for commercial & industrial properties is calculated in the same manner, but those properties do not receive the benefit of the $100,000 value reduction which is applied to all Class 1 residential properties.

20. Are there exemptions to the CPA?

• The first $100,000 of the assessed value of residential properties is exempt from the CPA surcharge
• Parcels already exempt from real estate tax are exempt from the CPA surcharge
• Complete exemption for property owned and occupied as a domicile by any person who qualifies for low income housing or low or moderate income senior (60 years of age or older as of January 1st) housing in the City of Gloucester. Low and moderate household income limits are determined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To qualify for an exemption a taxpayer must submit annual application including proof of income (tax returns, etc.).

21. How do I apply for a CPA exemption?

To apply for an exemption, an application must be filed with the Assessors’ Office annually and supporting income documents will be required for approval. If you already receive an exemption under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41A or 41C, a separate application may not be required, but you must specifically request that you be exempted from the CPA surcharge.

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City Auditor

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1. When are vendor checks cut?

Vendor checks are usually cut every other week.

2. Are you the Accounts Payable Department?

Yes, we are in charge of accounts payable.

3. What are your office hours?

We are open Monday through Wednesday, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm; Thursday, from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm and Friday, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

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City Clerk

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1. Can I pay a parking ticket at the City Clerk's Office?

No. Parking tickets must be paid at the Collector's Office.

2. Can I use a debit/credit card at the City Clerk's office?

No.

The City Clerk's office can only accept payment by cash, check, or money order.

3. How do I apply for a dog license?

You can apply in person at the City Clerk's office or through the mail. The cost is $22.50 per dog if registered before the April 30th deadline. A late fee of $10 is imposed on the 1st of May IF your dog has previously been registered in the City. For more information and application forms, please visit: Dog Licenses.

4. How do I register for salt water fishing?

You can register for salt water fishing by calling the Marine Fisheries at 1-888-674-7411 or by going to Marine Recreational Information Program.

5. How do I get a marriage license?

In order to get a marriage license, both persons wishing to be married must come to the City Clerk's office and file an intention. Both must show valid ID. The marriage license costs $40.00.

There is a state mandated 3 DAY WAITING PERIOD before the license can be picked up. THE LICENSE IS VALID FOR 60 DAYS. For more information on marriage licenses, visit the Marriage License page.

6. How do I become a Solemnizer?

Information on Solemnizer Certificates can be found by going Mass.gov and viewing Solemnizer information.

7. How much do Vital Records Cost (birth/death/marriage certificates)?

A certified copy of a birth, death or marriage certificate is $15 for the first copy and $7.50 for any additional copies of the same record requested at the same time. Additonal information on vital records can be found on the Vital Records page.

8. Hunting/Fishing Licenses: Why was I charged $1.00 more than my license shows?

The City Clerk's office charges a $1.00 administration fee for the license. The amount shown on the license (e.g. $27.50) is the amount that goes to the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Because a monthly report is sent to the aforementioned department, as well as copies of each license sold, the Fisheries and Wildlife Department prefers that the administration fee is not reflected on the report. For more information, you can visit the Hunting and Fishing License page.

9. When and where can I work as a vendor in Gloucester?

Chapter 11 of the Gloucester Code of Ordinances governs vending.

Fixed location vending is regulated by a yearly bidding process held through the City Purchasing Department. Otherwise, vending is primarily through certain special events which must be permited or authorized by the City Licensing Commission. City Purchasing Department.

10. Where can I find a list of Justices of the Peace in Gloucester?

By going to Gloucester Justices of the Peace.

11. Where can I find a Staff Directory?

A staff directory can be found on the home page of the City of Gloucester site. You can also find it by going to the Staff Directory.

12. Where can I find copies of City Council Meetings and Agendas?

You can find copies of City Council Meetings and Agendas by going to the Archive Center.

13. Where do I go to vote?

You will vote at your ward and precinct polling place. For more information on Gloucester's wards and precincts, and a complete list of their corresponding streets, visit the Elections Page.

14. Where is City Hall located?

The main offices for City Hall are located at 9 Dale Avenue.

15. Where is the City Hall Annex?

The City Hall Annex is located at 3 Pond Road.

16. When and where does the City Council meet?

The City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month for regularly scheduled meetings at Gloucester City Hall, in the Kyrouz Auditorium. For more information, view the city calendar.

17. How do I obtain a permit for a road race/parade/walk-a-thon, etc.?

A permit is required for any type of special event. A "Special Event" is an event open to the general public; it can be held on public or private property; it may feature entertainment, amusements, food & beverages; it may be classified as a festival, road race, parade or walk-a-thon. A special event in the City of Gloucester, depending on the size and nature of the event, may require a number of permits or approvals from various departments within the City before it is officially approved and is granted a "special event" permit. Futhermore, special events are governed by the Gloucester Code of Ordinances Sec. 11-8 and Sec. 11-10. Special Events Permit Application

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City Council

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1. Are all the meetings of the Council open to the Public?

State Law (re open meeting law) requires public government bodies to have meetings which are open to all and which are announced or "noticed" at least 48 hours in advance (excluding Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays).

There are several specific exemptions to this open meeting requirment which allows the Council to hold closed or "executive" sessions.

2. Can members of the Public speak during, or participate in, the Council meetings?

Yes. The Council provides for opportunities for the public to speak during its "oral communications" and during any scheduled public hearings.

3. Can residents petition the City Council to take action?

Yes. The City Charter (Article 9) provides several methods for residents/voters to petition the City Council.

4. Is the City Council televised?

All Council meetings are televised live by CATV and are available on local cable channels.

5. Does the Council have any role in the School Committee?

The School Committee is an independantly elected body (six (6) members plus the Mayor) and the only formal role of the Council in the School Committee is the "bottom line" approval of the School Committee budget as part of the City budget, although the Committee and the Council do on occassion meet jointly.

6. Where and when does the City Council meet?

City Council meets on alternate Tuesdays at 7:00 pm in the Gloucester City Hall Kyrouz Auditorium. A schedule of meetings and events can be found on the City Calendar.

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Council on Aging

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1. When does the band play at the Senior Center?

The Good Ole Jazz Band plays the first 3 Mondays of the month, starting at 1:00 p.m. This is a free event.

2. What is the WELCOME Group?

The WELCOME Group is a gathering of seniors who want to decide and implement the social and entertainment activities of the center. Any senior can join and contribute to the discussion and help us decide what events/trips we want to offer to the seniors here. The group meets the first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m.

3. Does the Senior Center offer classes on computers?

Yes, the Council on Aging computer volunteer group offers most Office and internet-email software courses, usually in 8 weekly 2 hour sessions.

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Fire Department

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1. When is the next Firefighter's exam?

The Gloucester Fire Department hires from the State Civil Service list which is established from a statewide exam. These exams are conducted by Massachusetts Civil Service every other April (the next exam is in 2012).

The City of Gloucester Personnel Office usually has application forms available starting in the preceding November. The Personnel Office is located at:
9 Dale Ave.
Gloucester, MA 01930 Mass.gov - Civil Service Website

2. How do I get a permit to burn brush?

Permits may be obtained, in person, at the Fire Headquarters at 8 School Street. The burning season runs from January 15 through May 1 each year. The fee is $15. No cash accepted. Payment must be a check made out to the City of Gloucester.

3. Why do you send a fire engine when I called for an ambulance?

Many Gloucester Fire Department members are trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). During a medical emergency minutes and seconds, count! The response of the closest fire engine to your emergency brings trained firefighters / EMTs to your home or office within minutes.

Emergency life saving equipment, such as oxygen and semi-automatic defibrillators are carried on the fire engine for use by these trained firefighters.

Additional staff on a fire engine also provides supervision and it is necessary to have additional trained personnel to assist in moving stretchers through buildings, carrying patients down stairways or when slippery conditions are encountered. This helps to reduce back injuries to personnel handling unwieldy stretchers and heavy patients. It is also necessary to have more than two people perform certain treatments such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation while moving a patient.

At traffic accidents, the fire engine personnel keep the area safe if there are fuel spills or fire and can extricate people from the wreckage.

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Harbormaster

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1. When is the best time to transit the Annisquam River and Blynman Canal?

This depends on many factors. There are several shoals in the river, so the draft of your vessel needs to be considered to time the transit with high tide or be close to it. Another critical consideration is the horsepower of your engine. When the tide is ebbing, it can reach up to 6-7 knots of current in the Blynman Canal. Your motor needs to be strong enough to maintain steerage at this time. Always call the Harbormaster at (978) 282-3012 for specific information.

2. Is there a fee for using the pump-out boat, and when can I use it?

The pump-out boat is a state-funded grant program through the Clean Water Act, which reimburses up to 75% of operational costs to the office. There is no fee for using the pump-out boat. Call the Harbormaster at (978) 282-3012 to make arrangements.

3. How do I get a mooring?

You need to file an application with the Harbormaster, 19 Harbor Loop, located next to the Coast Guard Station. Applications are accepted year round. Call 978 282 3012 for additional information.

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Inspectional Services

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1. Do I need a building permit to build a fence?

If the fence does not exceed six feet in height, then a building permit is not required. The fence can be put on the property line. Although it is customary to face the good side of the fence to the abutting property, it is not required.

2. Do I need a building permit to install / construct a garden shed?

Yes. A building permit is required for any structure to assure compliance with the City Zoning Ordinance. If the shed has more than 120 square feet of floor area, the shed will need to comply with the State Building Code 780 CMR. City of Gloucester Zoning Ordinance

3. When do I need a building permit?

Sections 5110.3 and 110.3 of the State Building Code 780 CMR give exemption for building permits. In general, a building permit is required for any work that is more than ordinary repairs of a structure. State Building Code 780CMR

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Legal Department

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1. How do I file a claim against the city?

If you are claiming that the city is responsible for damage to your personal property or for personal injuries, you may fill out a claim form and send it to the Legal Department. It will then be forwarded to the insurance company for the city, who will determine whether the city is liable for any damages. Claim Form

2. Who do I contact regarding landlord / tenant disputes, domestic issues, private property disputes, etc.?

For these private legal issues, you can contact either Neighborhood Legal Services or the Massachusetts Bar Association's lawyer referral service.

3. How can I view court decisions involving the city?

The Legal Department will update this site on a regular basis with copies of court decisions. Legal Department

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Personnel

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1. What benefits are available to employees of the City of Gloucester?

It depends what collective bargaining group the employee belongs to.

2. How do I go about applying for a job I see posted?

You can submit your resume, cover letter and/or application either by email, fax or by mail.

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Planning

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1. When does the Planning Board meet?

The Planning Board generally meets every first and third Thursday of the month in the Kyrouz Auditorium in City Hall. Meetings begin at 7PM.

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Public Works

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1. How do I dispose of a television or a computer monitor?

There are a few options. The first option is: You may purchase a $25 Appliance/TV sticker at the DPW. Hiltz will provide a curbside pick up once a month, ususally the third Thursday of the month. You may also bring your TV or computer monitor (as long as it is under 32") to Best Buy. You may bring up to three items per household per day. # Nearly everything electronic, including tube TVs and monitors up to 32", flat-panel TVs and monitors up to 60", peripherals, DVD players, home and car audio, cell phones, MP3 players, and cables. They also take desktop or laptop computers with the hard drive removed,small electrics, fans and vacuums.
They charge $10 for televisions and monitors, but you immediately receive a $10 Best Buy gift card good toward future purchase.
Th $10 fee does not apply to any Insignia®, Dynex® or VPR Matrix® products. Best Buy accepts these brands free of any charge.

2. Who do I call if I have a problem with my STEP sewer system?

Please contact the call center for Woodard & Curran at 978-282-7837.

3. Who do I call if there is a problem with my city maintained Grinder sewer system?

Please contact the call center for Woodard & Curran at 1-866-330-1143

4. Who do I contact if my trash and/or recycling was not picked up?

Please call Hiltz Disposal at (978)283-3335, or the DPW at (978)281-9785

5. Why is my water brown and what do I do?

Temporary discoloration of water may occur as iron particles are cleaned from the pipes. Although this discolored water is not harmful to your health, you should avoid use of chlorine bleach when washing clothes to avoid staining of laundry. Running the cold water tap for a few minutes is usually sufficient to restore the flow of clean water to your home. If water quality problems persist, residents should call the Utility Division at 978-281-9785.

6. How do I dispose of alkaline and rechargable batteries?

DISPOSING OF GENERAL PURPOSE & ALKALINE BATTERIES
Alkaline batteries can be safely disposed of with normal household waste. Due to concerns about mercury in the municipal solid waste stream, manufacturers have voluntarily eliminated all of the added mercury from alkaline batteries since 1993. Alkaline batteries are composed primarily of common metals—steel, zinc, and manganese—and do not pose a health or environmental risk during normal use or disposal.
It is important not to dispose of large amounts of alkaline batteries in a group. Used batteries are often not completely "dead." Grouping used batteries together can bring these "live" batteries into contact with one another, creating safety risks.
Proven cost-effective and environmentally safe recycling processes are not yet universally available for alkaline batteries.
RECYCLING BATTERIES WITH OTHER CHEMISTRIES
Due to the chemicals in them, you should recycle rechargeable, lithium, lithium ion, and zinc air batteries.
In addition to “traditional” rechargeable batteries like AAs or AAAs, rechargeable batteries like the ones found in everyday household items such as cameras, cell phones, laptops, and power tools should also be recycled. Look for the battery recycling seals on rechargeable batteries.
These types of batteries can be brought to the DPW, Radio Shack, and Home Depot for disposal.

7. There is a pothole on my street who do I contact?

You may call the DPW at (978)281-9785 to report this

8. Will chloramines affect the way I treat my swimming pool?

No. You will still need free chlorine risidual to retard algae and bacteria growth.

9. How does chloramines affect fish, retiles, amphibians, crustaceans, and pets?

Owners of fish tanks, reptiles, amphibians, and crustaceans, including hobbyists, restaurants and fish markets, that now treat for chlorine in the water should have appropriate carbon filtration equipment or use water treatment products that neutralize chloramines.

All other pets, including dogs and cats, can safely consume chloraminated water.

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Purchasing

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1. How do I know when the city is interested in making a purchase?

We advertise most procurements in the local newspaper, as well as the state's Central Register, Goods and Services Bulletin and on our own website.

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Recycling

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1. How do I get rid of a television or computer monitor?

There are a few options. The first option is: You may purchase a $25 Appliance/TV sticker at the DPW. Hiltz will provide a curbside pick up once a month, usually the third Thursday of the month. You may also bring your tv or computer monitor to Essex County Recycle Center located at 24 Kondelin Road, they charge $15 for monitors and $18 for plastic covered televisions.
Or you can bring your TV or computer monitor (as long as it is under 32") to Best Buy. You may bring up to three items per household per day. They take nearly everything electronic, including tube TVs and monitors up to 32", flat-panel TVs and monitors up to 60", peripherals, DVD players, home and car audio, cell phones, MP3 players, and cables.
Desktop or laptop computers with the hard drive removed, small electronics, fans and vacuums.

2. There was a holiday this week - will my trash be delayed a day?

Yes. When there is a holiday - trash pick up is delayed one day. Friday pick ups will be made on Saturday

3. How do I dispose of paint?

To dispose of Latex paint - simply leave the lid of the can and let the paint dry up - you can also add kittly litter or speedy dry to speed up the process. The dispose of in your regular trash.

To dispose of oil-based paints - you must wait until Household Hazardous Waste Day, which is usually held the last Saturday in September.

4. How do I dispose of batteries?

DISPOSING OF GENERAL PURPOSE & ALKALINE BATTERIES
Alkaline batteries can be safely disposed of with normal household waste. Due to concerns about mercury in the municipal solid waste stream, manufacturers have voluntarily eliminated all of the added mercury from alkaline batteries since 1993. Alkaline batteries are composed primarily of common metals—steel, zinc, and manganese—and do not pose a health or environmental risk during normal use or disposal.
It is important not to dispose of large amounts of alkaline batteries in a group. Used batteries are often not completely "dead." Grouping used batteries together can bring these "live" batteries into contact with one another, creating safety risks.
Proven cost-effective and environmentally safe recycling processes are not yet universally available for alkaline batteries.
RECYCLING BATTERIES WITH OTHER CHEMISTRIES
Due to the chemicals in them, you should recycle rechargeable, lithium, lithium ion, and zinc air batteries.
In addition to “traditional” rechargeable batteries like AAs or AAAs, rechargeable batteries like the ones found in everyday household items such as cameras, cell phones, laptops, and power tools should also be recycled. Look for the battery recycling seals on rechargeable batteries.
These types of batteries can be brought to the DPW, Radio Shack, and Home Depot for disposal.

5. How do I dispose of something that doesnt fit in the purple bags?

To dispose of an item that does not fit in the purple bag you will need to purchase a $5 Bulk Item Sticker. These may be purchased at The Building Center, Annie's Variety(Concord St), Stop & Shop, Tony's Variety (Washington St) and also the DPW.

Examples of items that these stickers are used for are: furniture, plastic cased vacuum cleaners, mattresses, rugs, entertainment centers, toilets.

6. What day is trash pick up on my street.

Please see the Trash Pick Up by Street page. There is a complete listing of all city streets and their pick up day.

7. When is the next Household Hazardous Waste Day?

Household Hazardous Waste Day is held once a year on the last Saturday in September.

8. My trash and/or recycling was missed, what do I do?

Please call Hiltz directly at (978)283-3335 or the DPW at (978)281-9785

9. What type of metal is accepted at monthly metal recycling days?

Metal items that are at least 80% metal. Some acceptable items are: bicycles, water heaters, tools, washers, dryers, dishwashers, file cabinets, metal chairs, and gas grills (with out propane tanks). WE CANNOT ACCEPT - , PROPANE TANKS, OR ANY ITEM CONTAINING FREON SUCH AS A/C'S, REFRIGERATORS, OR DE-HUMIDIFIERS

10. What is accepted for monthly Automotive Recycling?

We accept (2) tires (without rims), oil filters, car batteries, and also clean motor oil (cannot be contaminated). We use the motor oil to heat the DPW garage.

11. Can I use a regular trash barrel with a cover for my recycling?

Yes. The barrel must be 50 gallons or less and be clearly marked with recycling stickers (stickers are available free at the DPW)

12. What can I put in my bin?

Tin foil, tin cans (it's helpful to remove label, but not required), plastic milk jugs and laundry detergent bottles, all plastic bottles even with the collars on, and all clear and colored glass (as long as it isn't broken). Caps can stay. If you see a 1 - 7, throw it in,

13. How many recycling bins can I put out? Is there a limit?

There is no limit to the number of recycling bins you can put out.

14. How do I get a recycling bin?

They are available at the DPW. There is no charge for the first bin - additional bins are available for $5 each.

15. My bin was lost or stolen, what do I do?

You may purchase a replacement bin at the DPW for $5.

16. What other special programs does the city offer to encourage recycling?

On the last Saturday of April and October the City offers electronic and shredding drop off from 9 am to Noon.

CRTR - accepts computer towers, monitors, mice, speakers, printers, vcr's , televisions, computer monitors, a/c's, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, basically anything with a plug!
A shredding company will be on hand for paper shredding.Fees to be announced.

On the last Saturday of March and August - the Open Door will be on hand from 9am to Noon collecting shoes, clothing accessories, small household items, textiles, books, dvds, cds, comic books, and vcr tapes.

Essex County Recycling - located at 24 Kondelin Road is available for residents to drop off recyclable materials - cardboard, paper, co-mingled, rigid plastics, and metals for free Monday thru Friday 7am to 4pm.

17. Can I put styrofoam in my recycle bin?

Unfortunately, no. Styrofoam is to be disposed of as trash, even though you may see recycle numbers stamped on it.

18. I put plastic lawn furniture out with my recycling and they did not take it, why?

At the present time rigid plastics, such as lawn furniture, and outdoor toys, such as Little Tykes slides and playsets are not accepted at the facility that our recyclables are taken to. To dispose of these items a $5 bulk item sticker is required. You may stack 4 of the stackable lawn chairs out with one sticker. Or you may bring these items to Essex County Recycle Center, 24 Kondelin Road, Monday thru Friday 7am -4pm. to dispose of for free.

19. How do I dispose of Furniture?

To dispose of furniture with your curbside rubbish, you can purchase a $5 Bulk Item Sticker affix it to the item and put it out on your regular trash day.

You may also donate your clean furniture to Second Glance on Pond Road Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., They also offer a pickup service by appointment.

For more information, call Second Glance at 978-283-4298

20. Where do my recyclables go after pick-up?

Massachusetts has seven processing facilities that sort and bale over 500,000 tons of recyclables each year. After processing, your recyclables are ready to enter the "recycling marketplace."

21. Who uses recyclables after they leave the processing facilities?

Recyclables are valuable commodities in today's global economy. About half of the bottles, cans, and paper collected in Massachusetts are sold to manufacturing plants in the Northeast: the other half goes to markets over seas.

22. What is made out of all of the recyclable materials?

* Paper and cardboard are turned into cereal and cracker boces, book covers, and game boards at a recycling paper mill in Fitchburg.
* Glass bottles and jars are melted and used to make new containers at facilities such as St. Gobain containers in Milford.
* Plastic soda bottles become polyester fiberfill for jackets and sleeping bags, or polar fleece made by Malden Mills in Lawrence.
* Milk jugs, detergent bottles, and other #2 plastics become landscaping timbers and whiskey barrel planters made my Smartware products in Leominster.

23. I live in a condominium/apartment building that does not have curbside trash collection. What about my recycling, can that go out to the curb?

Unfortunately your recycling can not go out for curbside collection. But you may bring your recycling to Essex County Recycle Center located at 24 Kondelin Road. They will accept your newspaper, cardboard, bottles and cans and metal items at no charge. They also will accept rigid plastics (little tykes toys, 5 gallon water jugs, plastic lawn furniture etc.) for no charge.

24. Do I have to separate my recyclables???

Yes, we have dual stream collection. You must keep your paper separate from your bottles and cans

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Retirement

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1. Am I required to become a member of the System?

Membership in the Gloucester Contributory Retirement System is a statutory requirement for all employees who are scheduled to work 20 hours per week in a calendar year; only elected officials have the option whether to join the System.

2. Can I borrow money from my retirement account now and pay it back later?

No. Under state law, your retirement account has no provision for withdrawal under any circumstance.

3. Can I receive a refund of my contributions, and will I get interest on those contributions?

You may receive a refund of your total contributions if you have officially resigned your position and it is not your intent to accept another position of employment that requires membership in another Massachusetts contributory retirement system. If you voluntarily leave employment that began after January 1, 1984 and have less than 5 years of service, no interest will refunded to you. If you have served between five and ten years, you will receive half of the interest credited to your account. If you have over ten years of service, all of the interest will be refunded to you. Also, if you are removed or discharged, you will receive interest regardless of the years of service. It is important to note that if you receive a refund or your retirement contributions, we are required to withhold 20% for your federal tax liability. Any monies contributed prior to 1/12/86 are not subject to federal taxation. However, all interest you receive from your account is subject to federal taxation. Alternatively, you can have the entire retirement account “Rolled over” into a tax qualified IRA.

4. Can I make 'make-up' Payments?

If you were employed by any governmental unit within the Commonwealth and you do not have this period of employment credited in your retirement system, it may be possible to pay a make-up payment. You would be required to pay into the retirement system the amount that would have been withheld for retirement plus the accrued interest through the month of your repayment. Please have the Payroll Supervisor forward to the retirement office the payroll records for the dates of your employment, the salary paid per calendar year, the date of termination and whether you were employed on a full or part time basis. If you were part-time, we require the number of hours employed per calendar year. Once we receive all of the necessary information, a letter will be forwarded to you indicating the amount of the repayment and the due date.

5. What is the maximum retirement allowance that I can receive?

The maximum benefit you can receive is 80% of your three highest consecutive years of regular compensation.

6. What factors effect the amount of my superannuation retirement allowance?

The amount of your retirement allowance depends on
· your age,
· your length of creditable service,
· the amount of your average annual rate of regular compensation,
· and your group classification

7. May I be employed in the public sector after retirement?

There is no restriction on employment in the private sector. However, employment for any town, city, or county within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or for this state is restricted once you have retired. You may be employed for only 960 hours in any calendar year. Also, the amount you earn from any such political subdivision would be limited to the difference between your gross retirement allowance and the present salary from the job which you had retired. The responsibility for monitoring post-retirement earnings is placed upon the employer and the retiree.

For disability retirees, the amount of outside income you can earn is the difference between your gross retirement allowance and the present salary for the job from which you retired, plus $5,000.

8. What about my health insurance?

Your health insurance premium may be deducted from your retirement allowance. Questions regarding your coverage should be directed to the Personnel Department. (978-281-9742)

9. Is my retirement allowance taxable?

A portion of your retirement allowance is federally taxable. Please refer to IRS publication 575. The IRS requires that you pay 90% of the income tax that you will owe by having an amount withheld on a payroll plan or by filing an estimated quarterly tax return. If you wish, we will withhold a fixed amount of money from each retirement check you receive. You can change the amount of taxes withheld from your retirement check anytime you wish. Please notify the Board of any tax changes you might wish to make. We will ensure that you receive the appropriate form.

State Income Tax

Your retirement allowance is exempt from Massachusetts state taxes. When considering a move outside of the Commonwealth you should question whether or not your contributory pension will be taxed by your prospective new home state. Currently fifteen states do not tax Mass. pensions. In addition several states provide tax exemptions or exclusions for which Mass. pensions may qualify. For example, Maine offers a $6,000 pension exemption, while pensioners, 59 ½ or over, may qualify for a $20,000 exemption in New York.

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Treasurer

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1. What happens if I don’t pay my Real Estate bill?

If a payment is not received by the due date, interest will begin accruing daily at a rate of 14% annum. For any unpaid balance remaining on an account after the 4th quarter due date, a demand fee of $5.00 will be added. If the account remains unpaid, the owners name, address and the outstanding amount will be advertised in a local newspaper. An advertising fee will be added to each account. If any account continues to remain unpaid, a tax lien is placed on the property and is recorded with the Essex County Registry of Deeds. Additional costs of filing and attorney's fees will most likely be added as well to your account. A tax lien insures the payment of taxes upon sale or refinance of the property.

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Veterans' Services

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1. How do I apply for compensation or pension through the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)?

All first-time applicants must complete VA Form 21-526. You can complete this form by downloading the PDF version or on the veterans' online application (VONAPP) website.

2. How do I apply for Chapter 115 Benefits?

Please contact the Office of Veterans' Services at (978) 281-9740 to schedule an appointment.

3. How can I request a copy of my DD214?

Military records can be requested through the National Archives.