PITTSFIELD, Mass. (April 7, 2020) – Mayor Linda Tyer has announced that the City of Pittsfield will extend payment deadlines for city tax bills in response to new legislation passed by the state’s legislature and signed into law by Gov. Baker to support to those economically impacted by COVID19 in communities throughout the Commonwealth.

With this extension, all real estate and personal property taxes in the City of Pittsfield will be due by June 1, 2020. This new deadline replaces the due date on printed bills. Additionally, the following interest and other penalties on late payments will be waived according to the following timeline: bills that were due after March 10, 2020 and paid before June 30, 2020 for any excise, tax, betterment assessment, water or sewer bill, or other charge added to a tax.

Mayor Tyer said the new legislation would usher in welcome relief for residents in the City of Pittsfield.

“As we have received a lot of inquiries about whether or not the city could defer or delay tax payments, I am absolutely thrilled and grateful to know that this legislation will provide some much needed assistance to members of our community who have been impacted by this devastating public health crisis. My deepest thanks to Gov. Baker for supporting this vital legislation and to Senator Hinds, Rep. Farley-Bouvier and the entire Berkshire delegation for their fierce advocacy of this bill that will not only benefit the City of Pittsfield, but every taxpayer in the Commonwealth.”

Additionally, the legislation calls for non-termination of services due to late payment. Specifically it states: cities and towns shall not terminate an essential service of a resident, including water, trash collection or electricity, for nonpayment of taxes or fees due on or after March 10, 2020 and paid after the due but before June 30, 2020, if the nonpayment resulted from a demonstrated inability to pay due to the COVID-19 outbreak or the March 10, 2020 emergency declaration by the governor, provided that the inability to pay shall include a demonstrated financial hardship of a resident , including but not limited to loss of employment, serious illness or death of someone within the home.

As City Hall will be closed to the public through May 4, community members should continue to visit the city’s website, www.cityofpittsfield.org, to manage their business needs. A secure drop box is now installed at the rear of City Hall and can be used for all correspondence that would normally need to be dropped off.

Individuals with specific questions for city departments should utilize the City Hall directory, 413- 449-5600, during the hours of 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for assistance.

For more information, please contact Roberta McCulloch-Dews, Director of Administrative Services, Office of the Mayor, 413-499-9322.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

More From WBEC FM