Worcester 311

Yes, most of the Boards and Commissions are recorded by the Cable Services Division and available to view on this site.

No. Fireworks are illegal in the City and in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Violators may be subject to fines, inspections and possible criminal complaints.

Yes. An on-premise license (which includes the categories of restaurants, hotels, bars, taverns and clubs) may not be issued to a person "who has been convicted of a violation of a federal or state narcotic drug law."

Landscape retaining walls up to 6 feet and fences up to 7 feet that are dilapidated and are dividing property lines that are not in the public way are a civil matter and are not enforced by the buildings and zoning division.

Yes. There are city-owned parking garages and parking lots in the downtown area and other parts of the City.

An exemption may be granted if the motor vehicle is owned and registered by the following entities:

1. The Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions;
2. Charitable corporations or charitable trusts and religious organizations whose personal property is exempt under M.G.L. Ch. 59 Sec. 5 Cl. 3 and Cl. 10 respectively;
3. Lessors engaged in the business of leasing motor vehicles, if the vehicle is leased for a full calendar year to a charitable organization, other than a degree granting or diploma awarding institution;
4. Vehicles operated with special plates and owned or controlled by manufacturers, farmers or dealers (Section 5 plates);
5. Vehicles owned and registered by former prisoners of war or their surviving spouses, if the local option statute is adopted by the community;
6. Handicapped veterans with a wartime service connected disability as determined by Veterans Affairs who have lost, or lost the permanent use of, one or both feet, one or both hands, or the sight of one or both eyes;
7. Handicapped non-veterans who have lost, or lost the permanent use of, both legs or both arms or the sight of both eyes; (the exemption for handicapped veterans and non-veterans applies to not more than one motor vehicle owned and registered for the personal non-commercial use of such veteran or person).

The abatement application form is used to apply for an exemption, and likewise must be filed with the assessors within 3 years after the date the excise was due, or 1 year after the excise was paid, whichever is later.

Yes. There are qualifications for a liquor license. These qualifications are set by the law. The type and number of qualifications for a liquor license depend on who the party is that is applying for the liquor license (i.e. whether the party is an individual, a partnership, or a corporation) and what type of liquor license is being sought.

1. Pouring Licenses under Section 12
   
   Generally, an individual applying for a "pouring license" under Section 12 (e.g. a liquor license for a restaurant, bar, nightclub, hotel or tavern) must be a citizen of the United States and 21 years of age or older. A partnership (where two or more people are doing business together) may hold such a liquor license where each partner is a citizen of the United States and 21 years of age or older.
   
   A corporation may hold such a liquor license provided that a majority of the directors are not aliens and that the corporate licensee appoints a license manager who is an individual, 21 years of age or older, who is a citizen of the United States and has "vested in him (or her) by properly authorized and executed written delegation as full authority and control of the premises, described in the license of such corporation, and the conduct of all business therein relative to alcoholic beverages as the (corporate) licensee itself could in any way have and exercise if it were a natural person." This license manager must be satisfactory to both the local and state licensing authorities with respect to his or her character.
   
   No "pouring" license shall be issued to any applicant who has been convicted of a violation of a federal of state narcotic drugs laws. There is no time limit after which this disqualification ends.
   
   
2. Package Store License Under Section 15
   
   Generally an individual applying for a "package goods store" or "package store" license (i.e. a license for the sale at retail alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises where sold) must be both a citizen and a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and 21 years of age or older. A partnership (where two or more people are doing business together) may hold such a liquor license where each and every partner is both a citizen and a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and 21 years of age or older.
   
   A corporation may hold such a liquor license provided that the corporation is organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that all directors of the corporation are citizens of the United States and that a majority of the directors of the corporation are residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A corporation who holds such a license must appoint a license manager who is an individual, 21 years of age or older, who is a citizen of the United States and has "vested in him (or her) by properly authorized and executed written delegation as full authority and control of the premises, described in the license of such corporation, and the conduct of all business therein relative to alcoholic beverages as the (corporation) licensee itself could in any way have and experience if it were a natural person". This license manager must be satisfactory to both the local and state licensing authorities with respect to his or her character.
   
   No license shall be issued to any applicant who has been convicted of a felony. Further, "no firm, corporation, association or other combination of persons, directly or indirectly, or through any agent, employee, stockholder, officer or other person or any other subsidiary whatsoever shall be granted, in the aggregate, more than three such licenses in the commonwealth, or be granted more than one such license in a town or two in a city."

Yes:

• Leash Law Violations - $50.00
• Dog License Violations - $50.00

A service fee may be assessed by our online payment partners for each online payment processed, which will be detailed on their respective websites.

Yes, there are limits for parking sessions. Each zone has a time allotment. If you continue to park in that spot after a specific amount of time (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.) you may receive an over-time ticket. You must move your vehicle to another location when your time has expired.

Yes. All dogs and cats over a certain age (usually 6 months) are required to be immunized against a number of diseases including rabies.

No, we are not part of the VA. We work with the VA, state agencies and many other resources to assist the City of Worcester's Veterans and their families access needed benefits.

The City and WPS maintain a "no solicitation" policy. Companies interested in introducing a new product or service may do so by emailing to bids@worcesterma.gov. Please provide all relevant information. The Purchasing Division will share this information with the relevant departments and agencies and you will be contacted for more details if interest exists.

Property is assessed at 100% of full and fair cash value.

Children may walk to and from the school/park at the discretion of each parent. The parent will allow this through the registration process.

Yes, after you make your initial transaction, you can extend your time from any parking kiosk or on the Passport Parking App on your phone up to the maximum time limit. However, you may not go over the time limit, the posted limits of 1 hour and 2 hours are strictly enforced. The purpose of creating a time limit is to allow other motorists to find parking so they can patronize local businesses. If you need longer-term parking, there are municipal parking lots and parking garages located throughout the City that charge affordable rates. Please see our Municipal Garages and Municipal Lots pages for more information.

No. Open burning prohibitions are authorized by the Massachusetts Air Pollution Control Regulation. 310 CMR 7.07(3)(e) prohibits open burning completely in 22 urbanized municipalities, which includes the City of Worcester.

Yes, please call the Record's office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., by calling 508-799-8630.

The Board of Assessors may extend the filing deadline if you can show a sufficient reason for not filing on time. Requests for an extension must be made in writing to the assessors.

Since this program deals with neighborhoods, the standard policy is to institute the program on a complete street, or in the case of a very long street, at least a full block.

No, there is no parking allowed on either side of the street while signs are posted.

No, the Spring Sweeping program is only designed to clear the streets of sand material and sidewalk debris left on the streets and sidewalks during the winter months. Residents who place leaves or yard waste into the streets are subject to fines.

You can put your EMPTY pizza box in the recycling bin. Grease is okay. This includes pizza boxes (with the exception of frozen pizza boxes) made out of cardboard or box board (think cereal box) as long as they are empty. Helpful suggestion: fold the box inside-out before you put it in the recycling. This will make sure that the box is completely empty so there are no surprises at the sorting facility.

Liners and pizza savers (pizza tables) go in the trash. Leftover food should be composted or put in the trash.

Yes. This is an incremental service; all existing office, telephone and mail services remain. Specifically, this service gives customers who do business with the City of Worcester a convenient, efficient, and user-friendly way to pay bills or purchase city services 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

Yes. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 60, Section 63, the Treasurer & Collector of Taxes shall receive money paid to him instead of the purchaser provided the amount tendered equals the amount stated in the Tax Collector's deed plus additional interest at the rate of 16% per year and costs from the date of the sale. The Treasurer shall then pay over all money to the person entitled, except the City shall collect a $10.00 fee.

The owner of the property subject to a Tax Collector's deed has the absolute right to redeem the property by paying the accrued taxes and other allowable charges prior to entry of a foreclosure judgment by the Massachusetts Land Court. Prior to the commencement of a foreclosure action in Land Court, the redemption amount is as set forth in applicable law, including M.G.L. Chapter 60, Section 62.

Yes. The City of Worcester Human Resources department is responsible for hiring the civilian support staff.

Yes. The assessed value represents the estimate of market value of the property. The real estate market changes constantly. The assessments change based upon these changes in the real estate market. The assessments do not automatically go up or down every year. The changes in the assessment reflect the real estate sales from the appropriate time period.

Many studies have shown that stop signs are not an effective measure for controlling or reducing midblock speeds. Observance studies show that, when there are too many stop signs, approximately half of all motorists came to a rolling stop and 25% do not stop at all. Stop signs can give pedestrians a false sense of safety if it is assumed that all vehicles will come to a complete stop at a stop sign. Studies show that placing stop signs along a street may actually increase the peak speed of vehicles because motorists tend to increase their speed between stop signs to regain the time spent at the stop signs. Finally, the MUTCD states that "YIELD or STOP signs should not be used for speed control."

Yes, they can go to any school/park in session.

They can attend any school/park at any time.

This is a common request from residents who are concerned about excessive vehicle speed in their neighborhood. They are concerned about the safety of their children and elder pedestrians.

Massachusetts Department of Transportation controls all speed limits on all public roadways in the Commonwealth. In Worcester, where the vast majority of local (neighborhood) roads fall into the category of "thickly settled" zones, the speed limit is 30 miles per hour. This speed limit is based on stopping distance and reaction time and is based on average driver response.

If there are unusual or complex conditions on your street, such as a sharp curve, it may be appropriate to request warning signs to alert drivers of the situation and suggest that their speed be appropriate for the conditions.

Schools typically have an abundance of pedestrian activities and vehicle drop-off and pick-up. Because of these conditions, the State allows for reduced speed limits adjacent to the facilities when certain warrants are met.

MassDOT warrants will allow a 20 mile per hour zone for locations where the school property abuts the public street, there is an established crosswalk and where the school has grades 1 through 9. When approved; the school zones are typically in effect during the morning arrival times, and afternoon dismissal times. A small sign, attached to the speed limit sign, notifies drivers of the times 20 miles per hour is in effect.

Traffic signal installation requires considerable data collection and analysis. The MUTCD lists 9 warrants for the placement of traffic signals and can be found at https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2009r1r2/part4.pdf. The fulfillment of a warrant or warrants does not in itself justify the installation of a signal. Installing a traffic signal at a low-volume intersection can significantly increase crashes and delays. Although traffic signals can reduce the total number of collisions at an intersection, research has shown that certain types of crashes (e.g., rear-end collisions) may actually increase after a signal is installed. For this reason, the type and number of crashes at an intersection should be considered before the installation of a signal. Traffic signals can represent a public investment when justified, and cost $150,000 to $250,000 to install.

The Treasurer & Collector's Office, prior to any Collector's deed auction undergoes an extensive notification process in order to inform the property owner of their delinquent tax status. This notification process begins four months prior to any sale and consists of 4 pre-sale notifications sent to the property owner at the mailing address on record and additionally includes a publication in the local newspaper as required by M.G.L. Chapter 60, Section 40. This is in addition to the four tax bills sent out each year plus the demand notice which is sent whenever an unpaid balance remains.

Children are registered only on the first visit to any participating school/park; it's a universal application for the program.

Fences 7 feet or less do not require a building permit (but fences over 6 feet might require zoning relief).

Prior to entry into Land Court, redemption amount is set forth in applicable law, including M.G.L. Chapter 60, Section 62. Section 62 does not provide for legal fees. After entry into Land Court, redemption amount is set for in applicable law, including M.G.L. Chapter 60, Section 68, which states in part that upon motion the Court may impose such "counsel fees as the court deems reasonable."

FOR LEGAL ADVICE PLEASE CONSULT YOUR OWN ATTORNEY.

If you do not have an attorney, contact the Lawyer Referral Service of the Worcester County Bar Association at (508) 752-1311 or fill out the online form by visiting their website at www.worcestercountybar.org.

Our zero-sort recycling system allows residents to put all eligible items - plastic bottles, newspaper, glass containers, etc. - in the same bins. Materials are sorted by large machines back at the recycling plant.

Residents may also use any type of durable, weather-proof container as a recycling bin. However, recycling left in a plastic bag at the curb will not be collected.

No. There is no membership required, although registration is encouraged. Membership in the Friends of Worcester's Senior Center, Inc. will provide you with certain benefits such as receiving the monthly newsletter by mail. Call the Friends at: 508-799-1200.

The City of Worcester Tobacco Permit expires each year on December 31 and needs to be renewed annually. State DOR retailer licenses require renewal every two years.

Retaining walls less than 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall do not require a building permit.

Sheds over 200 sq. ft. will require a building permit.

Yes, all personal property accounts are reviewed as part of the revaluation. Each year, prior to March 1, all commercial entities subject to taxation in a city or town must submit a list of all their personal property that is not exempt from taxation by completing a Form of List (FOL). This list is available on our website.

Helpsy will accept any dry and clean clothing in any type of bag. It is helpful to label bags with "Helpsy."

Yes. The City offers assistance for elderly residents who apply and are approved for the Real Estate Tax Elderly Exemption – Clause 41C. You must apply for the exemption through the City Assessor’s Office and if approved the water/sewer billing discount will be applied. The discount is $42.50 per quarterly billing for a maximum of $170.00 per year.

Yes. All City streets are plowed. Main roads and major arteries are plowed before smaller side streets. Likewise, paved roads are plowed with better quality due to the condition of the road itself while private roads are often dirt roads that are rutted and have potholes making them more difficult to plow.

No, the successful bidder obtains a lien on the property similar to a mortgage which can be foreclosed in the land court.

A taxpayer may file an abatement application and receive an abatement for any of the following reasons:

1. Sale of the vehicle and cancellation of the registration or the trade of the subject vehicle for another;
2. Transfer of the registrant and the vehicle to another state with proof of registration in that state and cancellation of the Massachusetts registration;
3. Overvaluation of the vehicle;
4. Subsequent registration of the same vehicle in the same year by the same person (e.g., vehicle is later registered with a Vanity Plate).
5. Theft of the vehicle, if the local police authorities are notified within 48 hours of the discovery of the theft and the certificate of registration is surrendered not less than thirty days after the theft and the registrant has received a certificate of cancellation of registration signed by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles or his authorized agent verifying that the subject vehicle was stolen.

Applications for abatement must be filed with the local board of assessors within 3 years after the date the excise was due, or 1 year after the excise was paid, whichever is later. If the taxpayer's application for abatement is denied, there can be an appeal to the Appellate Tax Board (ATB).

Within a reasonable time frame, the last registered owner of each towed vehicle is called to a hearing with the Parking Administrator. Unless it can be proven with proper documentation (a copy of the front and back of the title showing to whom the vehicle was sold or traded) that the ownership of the vehicle was legally transferred, the last registered owner is held liable for a fine of $500 (first time offender) or $700 (second time offender). If paid within the thirty (30) day holding period, the vehicle may be reclaimed.

New owners will be automatically updated by the Assessor's Office upon receipt of a copy of the recorded deed from the Registry of Deeds. If the sale is very close to a tax due date, you may call the Treasurer's Office at 508-799-1075 or email us for a remittance slip to be sent to you. You may also update the mailing address on the bill by filing out the online form. The Collector of Taxes is required by Massachusetts General Law to issue the bill to the assessed owner as of January 1. Therefore, the old owner and the new owner will receive a tax bill until the following January 1.

The Worcester Consumer Rights Program is located within Worcester City Hall, in Room 101. You may directly connect with the program by visiting our office with your questions or by calling us on 508-799 8486. You may also visit us on the web and access an intake/ complaint form through the following link:

Consumer Rights

Alternatively, you may contact the Attorney General’s Office on 617-727 8400 or access the same complaint form through their website.

We will immediately contact you once your complaint form is received and advise you on the process and details of your specific complaint.

Please refer to the following:

• Existing Term Contracts by Category

At any time, from your mobile phone, send a text message with the word "HELP" to CRIMES (274637) for program information. This is for operational information, not to solicit help from the WPD.

Review the minutes of meetings available on the City Council page.

The official source to find out when the ban goes into effect is by calling Worcester 311 at 311. Other sources are the Government Channel, the City Website, or @SnowParkingBan on Twitter for up-to-date information.

Included in the bid details are the Bid Results and Awardee(s) which are entered when available. You may review the most recent Closed Bids (six months) or Search the City of Worcester Bids database. Please note bids are available online for three years.

If you entered the service from Massachusetts, your record may be in the MRO database, which is accessible to any Veterans' Services Officer (VSO). To inquire about your record, please request an appointment through the portal and include your full name, branch of service and date of birth, and staff will reach out to you. *Please do not put your social security number in the request; staff will confirm all identifying information over the phone.*

If you entered the service from outside of Massachusetts, your records can be requested through The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Website.

Bills change according to water usage, which can fluctuate based on personal water habits. You can lower the water consumption at your property by installing water saving devices or following some simple conservation tips. Check our Water Conservation Tips page for more ideas.

Please call 800-244-6350 to reschedule.

The Worcester Fair Housing Project combats housing discrimination in various ways. The first is by providing free informational workshops and trainings to the community. The second is by investigating complaints and listening to your story. The third is by giving legal advice and informing you of your housing rights. The fourth is by providing legal representation and advocacy. Give us a call!

There are 48,000 parcels of real estate in the City of Worcester. In accordance with Department of Revenue regulations, the City performed a thorough property review and inspection of all 48,000 parcels of real estate - both commercial and residential. City assessors and contracted appraisers inspected and reviewed the property in multiple ways, including through the use of technology as well as physical on-site inspections. Assessors also reviewed permits to capture any property improvements or upgrades. All of the data compiled from these reviews was then compared to data in the existing records, updated when discrepancies emerged, and recorded into a new assessment system purchased by the City.

Multiple levels of review were performed by independent assessors and a contracted appraisal company to ensure that the accuracy and quality of the data was consistent. All of this information has been submitted to the Department of Revenue, which is now conducting its own Data Quality Study to further ensure that the process has been fair and equitable.

Visitor Pass activations will be valid for the remainder of the day activated until noon the next day, unless the pass is assigned to another plate before that time. Only one plate can be active at a time. A visitor pass may not be used on a vehicle for more than ten (10) consecutive days without prior authorization from the Office of the Parking Administrator.

Activate Visitor Pass

For bids/contracts issued by the Purchasing Division, we will establish an internal vendor number in order to process purchase order requests. For other goods and/or services, the department requesting the item(s) will follow the same procedures in order to process purchase order requests. Companies interested in introducing a new product or service may do so by emailing to bids@worcesterma.gov. Please be sure to provide all relevant information.

The WPD is a Civil Service Department. You must score high enough on the Civil Service Exam to be considered. Exams for Worcester are every two years. Exams are scheduled by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Human Resources Division in Boston, 1-800-392-6178.

Interested candidates are required to apply online with the State Division of Human Resources (HRD). HRD does not accept paper applications anymore.

Preference is given to veterans and to City of Worcester residents.

See Change Mailing Address for more information.

Go to the Property Records Search or, if you need certified owner information you can either (a) go in to the Assessor's Office for this information or (b) mail in a request for information, with an inquiry fee of $1.00 per parcel. All properties listed on the Assessing web site are sorted by street address, owners' name or by Map, Block and Lot number. Deeds showing ownership are available from the Worcester County Registry of Deeds.

The Meet the Councilors page lists each Councilor by name, with his/her address, office phone number and email information. You may also submit a message through the Contact a City Councilor online form.

As a rule, an application may be filed by the person to whom the tax has been assessed, or by the person acquiring title after January 1. The application for abatement must be filed (received by the Assessor) no later than thirty (30) days after the date on which the "actual" tax bill was issued. Application forms are available on our website or at City Hall, Room 209, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

If your application is not filed timely, you lose all rights to an abatement and the Assessor cannot by law grant you one. To be timely filed, your application must be (1) received by the Assessor on or before the filing deadline or (2) mailed by United States Mail, first class postage prepaid, to the proper address of the Assessor on or before the filing deadline as shown by a postmark made by the United States Postal Service.

The City has ninety (90) days to review, request information, inspect and make a determination.

A property owner has the right to appeal an abatement decision of the Assessor. Appeals are made to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Appellate Tax Board, an independent administrative board under the direction of the Commonwealth. The property owner has 90 days from receipt to file with the Appellate Tax Board. Note, commercial property owners who did not file an income and expense form are unable to file with the Appellate Tax Board.

Faucets - Check all faucets and piping for leaks by monitoring for drips of water under sinks and from exposed pipes. Perform an inspection with the water on and off, as some leaks only occur when the water is on.
Toilets - Add a few drops of dark food coloring in the back of the toilet tank. Do not flush the toilet. Wait for a few minutes. If the food coloring appears in the toilet bowl, this means you have a leak. Some toilet leaks are intermittent, so you don't always see or hear the water running.
Pipes - Check plumbing in the basement by monitoring for drips of water coming from exposed pipes.
Meter - Turn off all water using appliances and water fixtures inside and outside your home. Check your meter to see if the leak detector (small black or red triangle) is spinning or slightly vibrating. If it is, then you most likely have a leak and should try to investigate further.

• Reading Your Meter & Leak Detection

Generally, the City Council convenes four times per month on Tuesday evenings. The meeting dates and agendas are posted in advance on the Municipal Calendar.

Please visit the MA Public Safety Website to locate your nearest Child Safety Seat Inspection Site.

Please contact the Prevention Division by calling 508-799-1822 or email prevention@worcesterma.gov.

Step 1: Complete the application and submit it with a letter of interest and/or resume.

Step 2: Attend a selection meeting of the Citizen Advisory Council (CAC). Meetings are open to the public 6:30 p.m. in an accessible public building. Contact Jeannie Michelson at 508-799-1175 to confirm attendance so that the CAC will have your application.

Step 3: Attend a meeting with a representative of the City Manager. If you are nominated by the CAC, you will be contacted to schedule a meeting with a representative of the City Manager's Office.

In most cases, the only requirements for eligibility are to live in the City of Worcester.

You MUST provide your own fingerprint card. Service is provided Tuesday through Thursday ONLY, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. There is a $20 fee (cash or check), which is to be paid at the Record's window.

It is the assessor's job to ensure that properties are assessed fairly. If your assessment is correct and your tax bill still seems too high, the assessor cannot change that. Complaints to the assessor should concern the assessment of your property, not the amount of your tax bill.

The Treasurer & Collector's Office sends one post-sale notification to the property owner at the mailing address on record notifying them of the name, address and telephone number of the purchaser of the tax lien. That is the FINAL notification issued by the City of Worcester relative to the tax lien; after that notification it is up to the lien holder to communicate directly with the property owner about the outstanding tax liability.

After completing the payment process, a Confirmation Page with a corresponding Confirmation Number may be displayed. You are encouraged to print this page for your records.

Please refer to the Recyclopedia search function on this webpage.

Questions regarding obtaining a license to carry a firearm can be best answered by contacting the Worcester Police Department License Bureau at 508-799-8648.

Permits and the appropriate forms are issued by the Detail Office. There is a $5 fee for all permits (except Work Permits, which are $10) and the fee must be paid at the Record's window prior to issuance. The Record's window is open Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn more about Public Meetings, the Guide to Participation in Public Meetings and the terminology used in City Council.

All the information needed to study for the written examination and prepare for the physical portion of the test (ELPAT) is available free online. Civil Service does not endorse any other courses or study materials.

After completing applications for both the written and physical portions of the exam, applicants should take time to prepare for each portion of the test in order to ensure their success.

• Firefighter Preparation Guides
• What you should expect in Physical Ability Test (PAT)

Your water meter is read from left to right, just like a car odometer. Your meter reads in hundred cubic feet (100cf = 748 gallons).

Please call 508-799-1853.

Abandoned vehicles should be reported to Worcester 311 at 311. The reporter is expected to give an exact location of the vehicle (house number and street OR the two (2) intersecting streets), its make, model and color and a plate number, if there is one on the vehicle as well as the condition of the vehicle.

The easiest way to schedule a home pickup is by completing the pickup request form at www.helpsy.co/worcesterma.

To schedule an IRT meeting, contact Planning & Regulatory Services Division (DPRS) at City Hall, 445 Main Street, Room 404 or by calling 508-799-1400 ext. 31440 or emailing planning@worcesterma.gov.

To stop the program at any time, which will prevent WPD from being able to securely respond back to you, you can opt out via text message. Send a text message with the word "STOP" to CRIMES (274637). You'll receive a one-time opt-out confirmation text message. If you choose to, you can submit a text tip again at a later time by texting the word TIPWPD along with your tip to CRIMES (274637).

To text a tip to the Worcester Police Department, you must have text messaging enabled on your phone and subscribe to a participating cell phone carrier. To begin your tip session, text the word "TIPWPD" to the number 27463, this spells the word "CRIMES" on your phone's keypad.

While handset menus differ by carrier or model, here are some basic steps on how to compose a text message.

1. Find "Messaging" or "SMS" on your phone's main menu.
2. Create a new txt message or send txt or SMS text.
3. When composing your message:
   • Enter the number 274637 as the mobile # or in the "to" line.
   • Then, in the message body, type word TIPWPD, a space, and then your crime tip information (TIPWPD is not case-sensitive).
4. Hit "Send" to send the message.
5. You will receive a response from TIPSOFT shortly, which will start the secure txt dialogue.
6. When you complete your tip submission, for your safety, you should always delete all text messages to and from 274637 from your text message in box and out box.

Choose a tow company of your choice. Call the WPD to report the tow at 508-799-8626. Please provide the plate number, VIN number, make, model and color of your vehicle, as well as the tow company who took the vehicle.

1. Enter your vehicle license plate number via the numeric keypad, then press "Done."
2. Scroll through the hourly choices and make your selection.
3. Pay for parking using credit card, bills and/or coins.
4. Verify payment acceptance.
5. Retrieve your receipt/change in the bottom ticket chute (lift the door).

NOTE: Hit the red "Cancel" button at any time to return to the main screen. You do NOT need to display the receipt on your dash/window.

Valuation is based on "full and fair cash value," the amount a willing and knowledgeable buyer would pay a willing and knowledgeable seller on the open market. The job of the Assessor is to determine the market value of every parcel of property in the City as of January 1.

In practice, there are three universally accepted approaches to determining value: market, income and cost. The Assessor does not create value. Rather, he or she is responsible for discovering and reflecting the changes that are occurring in the marketplace.

• Market Approach - market sales of similar properties which sold in the year prior to January 1 are analyzed, compared and adjusted to forecast what the property would sell for on January 1. When there are many sales, the market approach is the most accurate and dependable tool in the determination of value. Most residential property is valued by the market approach.
• Income Approach - the income approach is most applicable to real estate that is normally bought and sold on the basis of its income-producing capabilities, such as retail stores, office buildings and industrial properties. This approach requires significant data such as rents, occupancy rates, operating expenses and investor requirements. This approach is most useful in valuing investment properties where sufficient market sales are not available. The income approach considers the income stream that a property is likely to produce for an investor over a definite period of time. The process of capitalization converts the future benefits of ownership into present worth or market value. The elements of capitalization are income (I), rate (R) and value (V). The income approach formula is expressed as follows: value equals income divided by rate (V - I/R).
• Cost Approach - The cost approach involves an estimate of the current reproduction or replacement cost of the building, deducting an estimate of depreciation (or loss of value from any cause) and then adding an estimated value of land. Reproduction cost is the amount of money necessary to erect a new structure that is an exact replica of the existing building. This is appropriate in the case of recent construction. Replacement cost is the expenditure necessary to build a new building in utility to the original and able to serve as a substitute in function. It is more applicable to older buildings.

The process involves public meetings and a vote by City Council members. Councilors establish and put in place public policy to meet the changing needs of Worcester.

Every fiscal year, they also review and approve the City’s operating and capital budget. Councilors track City services to guarantee their efficiency and reasonable cost.

When a vehicle is "deemed to be abandoned", a green tag is placed on it, warning the owner that if the vehicle is not removed from the streets within seventy-two (72) hours, the City will tow it away and they will be subject to a $500 fine (first time offender) or $700 (second time offender). The impounded vehicle is held for 30 days. If it goes unclaimed, it is disposed of by our towing contractor.

Residents of the City of Worcester may petition the City Council to restrict parking on a residential street. The Council, through its Traffic & Parking Subcommittee, may approve an ordinance to restrict parking to "Residents Only" for one or both sides of a street and during certain hours or days depending on the problems being experienced by the neighborhood. Once City Council approves the petition, DPW&P will post the appropriate signs designating the area as Parking by Resident Permit Only.

Residents of a street approved by City Council for Residential Permit Parking must then apply to the Parking Administrator for a permit for each of their vehicles. Residents may also apply for visitor permits. All permits must be renewed annually.

Once signs are in place and residents have purchased their permits, Worcester Police and Parking Control Officers will enforce the area. Vehicles parked in the RPP that do not display valid permits will be subject to fines.

No specified distance; however under Section 16C of M.G.L. Chapter 138, premises located within a radius of five hundred feet of a school or church shall not be licensed to sell alcoholic beverages unless the local licensing authority determines in writing and after a hearing that the premises are not detrimental to the educational and spiritual activities of that church or school, unless the premises are those of an inn holder or unless the parts of the buildings are located ten or more floors above street level. The 500 foot distance under this Section 16C is measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the church or school to the nearest point of the premises to be licensed.

Police, Fire and EMS dispatching is done by the Emergency Communications Department. Questions can be directed to 508-799-1776.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles annually calculates the value of all registered motor vehicles for the purpose of excise assessment. For most motor vehicles, the calculations are performed electronically using valuation tapes. For automobiles and light trucks, the valuation tape is created by the National Automobile Dealers Used Car Guide Co. (NADA.); for heavy trucks and school buses, the tape is created by Maclean Hunter Market Reports, Inc., publisher of the Truck Blue Book; and for motorcycles, the tape is created by Hap Jones, publisher of the Motorcycle Blue Book. In each case, it is the vehicle’s identification number (VIN) which drives the electronic valuation process.

A licensee has five (5) days from receipt of the written decision to appeal to the A.B.C.C. a decision made by the Local Licensing Authority.

Sidewalks must be cleared 10 hours after snow ceases to fall. Sidewalks must be cleared four (4) feet wide in front of property and on all sides of a corner property.

The terms of the City Council and Mayor are two years. Elections for seats on the City Council are held in odd numbered years.

Under the Liquor Control Act (M.G.L. Chapter 138), local licensing authorities may grant three classifications of retail licenses:

1. Licenses under Section 12 (On-Premise), commonly referred to as a "Pouring License."
2. Licenses under Section 14 (Special), commonly referred to as a "One-Day License."
3. Licenses under Section 15 (Off-Premises) commonly referred to as a "Package Store License".

Between 4 and 5 staff in each school and 7 to 10 staff in each park at all times.

The Tobacco Inspector will conduct three periodic and unannounced inspections in a year.

Typically, one inch (1") of snow must accumulate.

Most residential meters are billed quarterly, approximately every three months. Most commercial meters are billed monthly.

You must be at least nineteen (19) years of age at the time of the application deadline and the City of Worcester requires applicants to be younger than thirty-two (32) as of the date of the exam. Veterans are eligible to add up to four (4) years of military service time to the maximum age limit, increasing their eligibility to apply up to age thirty-five (35) as of the date of the exam.

• Age Requirement for Entry-Level Public Safety Positions

At least 18 years of age. Although Chapter 138, section 34 prohibits the sale or delivery of Alcoholic Beverages to a person under 21 years of age, nothing in Chapter 138, Section 34 shall prohibit any licensee from employing a person 18 years of age or older for the direct handling, selling, mixing or serving of alcohol or alcoholic beverages.

Attendees are welcome to bring engineers, architects, attorneys, etc. to discuss the proposal. The more detailed the plans, renderings and project concept, and the more specific the questions, the more responsive and helpful staff can be. Staff recommends including the following in your application:

1. visual representation of your site, a plot plan, a site plan, rendering or elevations of any existing or proposed buildings, etc;
2. a description of the proposal;
3. a list of questions for the staff members with respect to land use considerations and permitting process.

An individual may Petition the City Council on a wide range of topics including the condition of streets and sidewalks, street lighting, public safety, housing, zoning, taxation, traffic, parking and many others. The deadline for filing a petition is 4:15 p.m. on the Thursday preceding each Tuesday Council meeting.

Your bill payment should be made prior to the date the bill is due. The City of Worcester recognizes the date printed on the confirmation page as the date of payment.

Signs will be posted on streets ahead of collection. Upcoming routes are also announced on the Spring Street Sweeping page of the City Website, the DPW&P Facebook Page (facebook.com/WorcesterDPW) and the DPW&P Twitter account (@worcesterdpw). Residents can also sign up for ALERTWorcester to be notified when their street will be swept.

Once the Department of Revenue notifies the City of preliminary certification, property owners will receive a copy of their parcel information and their assessed value in the mail. It will also be posted online.

Follow these steps to use the online tobacco permit Application and Payment System:

1. Log on to https://worcesterma.viewpointcloud.com.
2. Click: "Sign Up."
3. Click: "Sign up using Secure Portal."
4. Create account with email address and password.
5. Click: "Sign Up."
6. Go to Public Health panel icon and then select "Tobacco Permit."
7. Click: "Apply online."
8. Continue to fill out all your information, clicking on NEXT to continue through the process.

Upon submission and review by Worcester Division of Public Health (WDPH) staff, the system will notify you to submit your payment. Once your payment has been processed, you will be notified via email to log into the system and print your permit.

For new permit applicants, pre-opening inspections are mandatory after applications are submitted. Please schedule an appointment with the Tobacco Inspector at 508-799-8531 ext. 33180.

Yes. Military applicants who are unable to participate during the scheduled exam have the option of requesting military make up exam.

• Veteran & Active Duty Military Applicant Information
• MA General Laws Chapter 31, Section 58A
• Civil Service FAQs

Contact the Parking Administration Office at 508-799-8656 or you can request a hearing via email at Parking@worcesterma.gov.

You have 10 days from the date of the denial letter to request the hearing.

Massachusetts General Laws require the City to send Estimated Tax Bills in the First and Second Quarter. The bills are twenty five percent of the prior year’s tax bills for each quarter. Any entity that received a tax bill in the prior year will receive an Estimated Tax Bill.

Please call the Helpsy hotline at 800-244-6350 to schedule a home pickup.

Yes, this is a state-wide exam and anyone can take the test. Applicants who have resided in the City of Worcester for an entire twelve month period immediately preceding the date of examination are entitled to be placed on the eligible list for Worcester ahead of any nonresidents.

Massachusetts law (G.L. Chapter 31, Sec. 58) permits cities and towns to ask that residents be placed on entry-level police and firefighter eligible lists before nonresidents. A "resident" is a person who has lived in the same city or town for the full year before the date of the examination. For example, if you took an examination on April 27, 2017, you would have to live in a single city or town from April 27, 2016 to April 26, 2017 to claim residency.

• Your residence, for the purpose of civil service law, is the place where you actually lived and intended as your permanent home. A temporary living place, such as a summer cottage, a school dormitory, a relative's or friend's house or apartment, etc., is not a residence.
• If you live at college during the school year, you may claim as your permanent residence that place where you reside during the rest of the year.
• If you were in the military, you may use the city or town where you lived when you entered the military if you returned to that city or town after you left the military, or, if you are still in the military, you intend to return to that city or town.
• If you move to another city or town at any time during the year before the examination, you do not qualify for residency preference in any city or town.

Please call Cable Services at 508-799-1385 or send an email to cableservices@worcesterma.gov.

The Purchasing Division posts all open bids, quotes and request-for-proposals on its website. All may be downloaded from the website. Interested bidders may also register their business online for email alerts that will occur when bid opportunities arise in the category(ies) registered.

Please refer to the Guide to Purchasing.

Resident Parking by Permit Only is a City of Worcester Ordinance, which means you must have a permit issued by the City of Worcester to park on that street even if you live on that street. If you don't have a permit, then you may receive a parking ticket. To obtain a permit, you can apply online, by mail or in person. For more information, go to the Residential Parking Program. If you have questions regarding the Residential Parking Program, please call 508-799-8656, between the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Sweepers will sweep private non-dirt roads providing that the equipment can make it up the street safely.

You can find your program on our weekly Channel 192 schedule or you can watch it online right now through our Video Archives.

Seniors and the disabled can call Worcester 311 at 311 for a list of agencies and phone numbers that may be able to assist in snow removal.

Please fill out the special instructions section of the pickup request form to indicate the bags' location or any additional information.

Please call Worcester 311 at 311.

You may appeal parking tickets using the City's Parking Ticket Appeals process.

Please call the Helpsy hotline at 800-244-6350 or email info@helpsy.co and include your name, address, date of the pickup and the special instructions.

Report any errors you experience or inaccurate parking tickets you received to Worcester 311 at 311 within 72 hours of receiving a ticket between the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. If the kiosk is confirmed defective, mail the ticket to the Parking Administration with the words "Non-Functioning" on the front of the ticket. Include your name and address with the ticket in order to receive a confirmation letter for the dismissed ticket.

NOTE: An overtime parking violation may be issued if your vehicle is parked in a zoned space over the allotted time, even if the kiosk is defective.

Additional bins may be purchased for $12 at 20 East Worcester Street. Residents may also use any type of durable, weather-proof container as a recycling bin.

State law requires that residential buildings be equipped with approved smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. To schedule an appointment and to ensure that the life safety devices are properly located, please contact the Fire Prevention Division at 508-799-1822 or send an email to: prevention@worcesterma.gov. Also, please note that State Law requires that every building have its address number affixed to the building and is visible from the roadway.

No. A handicap placard allows you to park only in a handicap designated space and at any on-street metered/pay-by-plate parking space without paying. All other on-street parking restrictions must still be followed, including Prohibited Zones, Tow Zones, Commercial Loading Zones and Passengers Zones. To obtain a handicap placard you must apply at any Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. For more information, contact them at 1-800-858-3926.

Please call the Helpsy hotline at 800-244-6350 or email info@helpsy.co. Include your name, address and date of the pickup. Additionally, our drivers will call the number you provided on the pickup form to let you know they have arrived if they do not see your bags outside.

No. The valuation change will not be indicative of the tax change. Historically, taxes increase without revaluation through levy changes which require additional funding through property taxes. If all assessed values changed at the same rate the subsequent change in the tax rate would adjust the taxes so no increase or decrease would occur. Property values change at varying rates based upon market and physical changes, therefore taxes change relatively based upon the amount of change to each parcel.

An Animal Control Officer will investigate every complaint received by the unit. The Animal Control Officer will then take whatever action is deemed to be appropriate.

Yes, your transaction is secure. Your payment information is protected with state-of-the-industry encryption methods. In addition, account information is not kept after the payment has been processed.

No, this is a free program.

No deadline; there is a rolling admission.

Yes. There is a leash law everywhere in the City.

No. While most programs are targeted towards older adults, younger people often receive services for caregivers or participate in inter-generational programs.

Owner occupied 1 and 2 family dwellings performing work for which a building permit is required shall be exempt from the licensing provisions of 780 CMR 110.R5, provided that if a homeowner engages a person(s) for hire to do such work, then such homeowner shall act as supervisor. This exception shall not apply to the field erection of a manufactured buildings constructed pursuant to 780 CMR 110.R3.

Yes. Dogs must be leashed whenever off of the owner's or handler's property.

Yes. You may make a reservation for lunch by calling 508-799-8070 at least 2 days in advance. Donations accepted. See menu in the monthly Senior Scoop. You may also pay for breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks from Bobby M's Diner open every morning through early afternoon. 

Yes. Any dog over six (6) months of age must be licensed with the City Clerk's Office.

Please call Worcester 311 at 311.

Please call 800-244-6350 or email info@helpsy.co.

If you have any questions or problems, please contact the appropriate Department/Division for the bill or service you are wishing to pay/renew.

In the United States, the beetle prefers maple species including boxelder, Norway, red, silver and sugar maples. Other preferred hosts are birches, Ohio buckeye, elms, horse-chestnut and willows. Occasional to rare hosts include ashes, European mountain ash, London plantree, mimosa and poplars.

1. Zoning compliance of a proposal with respect to use, and dimensional requirements (e.g., setbacks, and off-street parking requirements).
2. Policies regarding landscaping, open space, lighting, buffers to abutting properties, etc.
3. Public safety provisions in site design such as Fire Department access to structures, fire hydrants, signage etc.
4. Stormwater management requirements, wetlands protection and erosion controls.
5. Proposed curb cuts, parking layout, vehicular and pedestrian circulation on a site.
6. Sewer, water and drain connections requirements.
7. ADA compliance.
8. Zoning district change considerations.
9. Requirements for developments in local historic districts or those involving historically listed properties.

The tax rates for Fiscal 2023 are as follows: (per thousand)

• $ 14.34 - Residential
• $ 31.26 - Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property

The tax rates for Fiscal 2022 were as follows: (per thousand)

• $ 15.21 - Residential
• $ 33.33 - Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property

In addition to any member of the public, the Chief of Police, any animal control officer, the Commissioner of Inspectional Services or any inspector under his or her supervision, or any other city officer or employee as may be designated by the City Manager may initiate the complaint and hearing procedures of section 157(d) of chapter 140 of the General Laws relative to declaring dogs nuisance dogs or dangerous dogs. (Chapter 8, § 12, Revised Ordinances of 2008)

"Dangerous dog," a dog that either: (i) without justification, attacks a person or domestic animal causing physical injury or death; or (ii) behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses an unjustified imminent threat of physical injury or death to a person or to a domestic or owned animal. (M.G.L. Chapter 140, § 136A)

"Nuisance dog," a dog that: (i) by excessive barking or other disturbance, is a source of annoyance to a sick person residing in the vicinity; or (ii) by excessive barking, causing damage or other interference, a reasonable person would find such behavior disruptive to one's quiet and peaceful enjoyment; or (iii) has threatened or attacked livestock, a domestic animal or a person, but such threat or attack was not a grossly disproportionate reaction under all the circumstances. (M.G.L. Chapter 140, § 136A)

No dog shall be deemed dangerous:

1. solely based upon growling or barking;
2. based upon the breed of the dog; or
3. if the dog was reacting to another animal or person and the dog's reaction was not grossly disproportionate to any of the circumstances outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 140, Section 157.

Common reasons for scheduling an IRT meeting may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. IRT Meetings are not required, but are encouraged, especially for large or complex projects.
2. If you or your representatives have questions regarding the City's permitting process.
3. If your development has specific engineering issues or questions.
4. If your development requires one or more Board/Commission approvals and you have questions regarding what information staff and/or the Board will require or recommend be submitted.

An excise must be paid within 30 days of the issuance of the bill. Any unpaid bill accrues interest at a rate of 12% per annum from the 31st day to the date of payment. The following steps for collection are set forth in M.G.L. Ch. 60A Sec. 2A:

1. The collector will send a demand which must be made more than one day after such excise becomes due. The demand fee is $5.
2. If payment is not made within 14 days of the demand, the collector will issue a warrant to collect to a deputy collector, the charge for which is $10. The deputy collector will then send a notice of his warrant to the taxpayer, the charge for which is $12.
3. Upon failure to pay within 30 days of the notice of warrant, the deputy collector will make a service of warrant, the charge for which is $17.
4. If the excise continues to be outstanding, the deputy collector or collector notifies the Registrar of Motor Vehicles within a two year period after the initial excise tax was issued. The Registry of Motor Vehicles will then mark or place in non-renewal status the license and registration of the taxpayer. The fee for removal of the mark at the Registry of Motor Vehicles is $20.

To be appointed to the Fire Department, the following must be fulfilled:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Pass a written test for Firefighter administered by the State.
• Pass a Physical Abilities test administered by the State.
• Pass a character background investigation.
• Meet medical fitness requirements.
• Have a valid Massachusetts driver's license.
• Pass a drug test.
• Pass a psychological exam.
• Be a non-smoker.

*There will be an interview process, background checks, employment checks and a C.O.R.I. More information can be found at www.mass.gov/civilservice.

The State of Massachusetts no longer requires an FID card to possess pepper spray.

Weekdays:

• 5 p.m.
• 11 p.m.

Weekends & Holidays:

• 5 a.m.
• 11 a.m.
• 5 p.m.
• 11 p.m.

Bail is to be paid via cash or Certified Bank Check ONLY.

The Worcester Senior Center is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The key review staff members present at the meetings review submitted plans and regularly advise Boards/Commissions (Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Historic Commission and the License Commission) on issues such as drainage, utility connections, proximity to wetlands, compliance with Zoning Ordinance's dimensional requirements, landscaping, parking requirements and more. Representative generally include staff from Planning, Building & Zoning, Conservation, Historical, Housing, Fire, DPW, Transportation and Engineering. Site search assistance may be available for certain projects/ businesses through the Economic Development Department.

The amount of a particular property's tax bill is determined by two things: the property's taxable assessment and the tax rate. The assessment is determined by the assessor and should be based on the value of the property; the taxable value is the assessment less any applicable property tax exemptions. The single tax rate is determined by dividing the tax levy to be raised by the applicable total taxable assessed value of the jurisdiction. The tax levy is the revenue necessary for the city to operate, after all other revenue sources (like Federal and State funding) have been deducted from the budget. The rate is further apportioned between the Residential and Commercial classes by the vote of the City Council at the Tax Classification Hearing.

The tax rate is the result of dividing the tax levy, i.e., property tax budget, by the applicable total taxable assessments. For a Split rate, the percentage of the levy of that Class is divided by the total Taxable Assessed Value of the class.

It is appropriate for health or social workers to use your Visitor Pass when visiting your home. Or the worker(s) may be eligible for a Professional Service Pass. If there are special circumstances, a request can be made to the Parking Administrator for considerations.

The City of Worcester does NOT read meters for final reads. Seller/Representative must obtain a final reading from the water meter and contact your attorney prior to the real estate closing. The attorney conducting the real estate closing needs to call in the final reading to the Water Billing Office at 508-799-1440. The billing office will calculate the outstanding water and sewer usage and verbally quote this over the phone to be included in the closing documents.

There are many resources available for persons facing evictions: educational websites, funding sources, pro bono legal advice, and more! If you are facing eviction, feel free to call or visit the WFHP now at 508-799-8486 for information about those services and to discuss your eviction on an individualized basis.

Residents can either bring the materials back to their homes, remove the contaminates from the bin and put the bin out the following week, or they can take the eligible materials to the Residential Drop-Off Center at 1065 Millbury Street, Worcester.

If your taxes are escrowed by a bank or mortgage company, you will want to ensure that they make timely payment. Most banks and mortgage companies subscribe to a tax service that will notify them directly of the amount they need to pay for your taxes. However, if you have recently purchased, refinanced, or have a mortgage company that does not subscribe to a tax service, it will be up to you to notify them by forwarding your tax bill to them. DO NOT change your mailing address on your tax bill to be sent directly to the mortgage company. It will impede you from receiving proper notice of unpaid taxes. You may request that your mortgage company receive a duplicate tax bill if necessary by emailing us.

There are many different permits for construction and demolition projects available through the Worcester Fire Prevention Office. Please see the attached flyer below for complete details.

Construction & Demolition Permits

1. Copy of both current Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) Tobacco Retailer Licenses: Sale of Cigarettes and Sale of Cigars and Smoking Tobacco. Retailer License for Sale of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems is required if you plan to sell electronic vape products. Go to DOR Cigarette and Tobacco Forms and Legal Documents | Mass.gov to access the DOR forms.
2. For smoking bars (cigar/hookah, vape lounge ONLY): Copy of valid Massachusetts State Smoking Bar License in addition to the documents listed above.
3. Signed Statement of Declaration.

An area in which moving or transporting live beetles, firewood, lumber or any infested or "host" tree, branch, twig, stump or other woody materials from the designated area to outside zones is prohibited by law. This is essential to prevent the introduction and/or spread of the quarantine beetles.

The courts have defined this phrase to mean "current market value," the price arrived at by a willing buyer and a willing seller, each with a good knowledge of the market and each acting without undue pressure or compulsion. Thus, in determining value, assessors seek to approximate what property would sell for on the open market, within an acceptable range of error. The "current market value" is as of the valuation date usually the prior January 1.

An assessor looks at property the same way a potential buyer would look at a property. An assessor considers factors such as location, size, type, quality of construction, condition, number of floors/ levels, number of bedrooms, baths, fireplaces or types of heating systems, to name a few. An assessor also compares properties that have sold in the neighborhood.

Although the WPD service is free and requires no purchase or fee for participation, standard messaging rates and other fees may apply. Check your mobile plan for more details.

The assessment is an estimate of market value. The definition of market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open, competitive market, without any undue influences. The current assessment represents an estimate of market value as of January 1, 2017, for Fiscal Year 2018.

The City Assessor is responsible for identifying, locating, and fairly valuing all property, both real and personal, within the city for tax purposes. The "market" value of real property is based on the real estate market as of the valuation date, typically the prior January 1. Finding the "market" value of your property means discovering the price most people would pay for your property in its condition as of July 1. Determining a fair and equitable value is the only role of this office in the taxing process.

What is important to remember is that the Assessor does not create the value. People determine the value by buying and selling real estate in the market place. The Assessor has the legal responsibility to study those transactions and appraise your property accordingly.

The Assessor also tracks ownership changes; maintains maps of parcel boundaries; keeps descriptions of buildings and property characteristics up to date; accepts and approves applications from individuals eligible for exemptions and other forms of property tax relief; and, most importantly, analyzes trends in sales prices, construction costs, and rents to best estimate the value of all assessable property.

All this must be done economically - for less than a tenth of what it would cost you to hire someone to independently appraise your property. A progressive computer assisted mass appraisal (C.A.M.A.) system is used by experienced appraisers to ensure that fair values are set for all property owners.

Appraisers are also assisted by our Geographic Information System (G.I.S.) which helps us to provide detailed and up-to-date property ownership maps for field inspections. The G.I.S. system is updated to reflect new changes to the land in the City of Worcester. This information is also used to analyze property data and gives appraisers yet another tool for comparing similar properties.

If a licensee is charged with permitting the service, delivery, or possession of alcoholic beverages by a person under 21 years of age, under current state law, a licensee has a defense only if the licensee can affirmatively prove that prior to permitting the service, delivery or possession of alcoholic beverages by a person, the licensee requested, was shown, examined and reasonably relied on either:

• A valid Massachusetts driver license.
• A valid Massachusetts Liquor Identification card.
• A valid Passport issued by the United States Government, or by the government, recognized by the United States government, of a foreign country.
• A valid United States issued active duty Military Identification Card.

Massachusetts civil rights laws protect individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, mortgage lending, credit and education. Each of these areas offers specific protections to particular groups. Protected groups include:

• Disability (defined according to the Americans with Disabilities Act - physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities)
• Race
• Color
• National Origin
• Family Status
• Source of Income (includes Section 8 and Welfare)
• Marital Status (includes married and non-married)
• Sex (includes sexual harassment, male and female)
• Sexual Orientation (heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual)
• Age
• Religion
• Military Status

Those who fail to appear for their hearing are found "guilty by default". Along with those who appear, are found guilty and fail to pay the fine (a generous thirty [30] days is allowed in which to pay), additional action is taken to insure that the fine is eventually paid. That action involves "marking" the violator in the Registry of Motor Vehicles. This ‘mark' signifies that the violator is in debt to the City of Worcester and he or she is prevented from doing any further business with the Registry until this debt is settled. This includes the renewal of a driver's license or the registration or re-registration of any other vehicle. This may also subject the violator to surcharges by the Registry.

Tax payments must be received on or before the due date to avoid interest charges. If payment is not made within 30 days of the original date of mailing, the account will begin to accrue interest at the rate of 14% per annum, computed from the date the bill was due. A demand notice will be sent and a demand fee of $5.00 is charged against the account. If the account remains outstanding 14 days after the issuance of the demand notice, a warrant notice is sent. The warrant fee is $9.00. Please note that demand and warrant notices are sent only on the third and fourth quarter bills. If the account remains delinquent after June 30th of the fiscal year, a tax lien (a legal claim placed on property for debt) is placed on the property and is recorded with the Worcester County Registry of Deeds. In addition, the property is placed in the tax title system. A tax lien is the first step in the foreclosure process. All taxes, costs and interest must be paid to prevent foreclosure.

You will be assessed a $20 parking fee.

Vehicles will be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense.

An adjournment sale is held within 7 days of the original auction date, and if no person bids on the taxes offered for sale the Treasurer & Collector of Taxes shall execute a Tax Collector's deed on behalf of the City of Worcester to perfect the lien. At that time the City holds the tax deed.

If your check is returned due to insufficient funds, absence of signature, or technical error, the account will have the same status as an 'unpaid' account. You will receive notice from the Collector of Taxes notifying you of the insufficient funds. As provided by law, a penalty charge of $25.00 or 1% of the amount of the check (whichever is greater) will be assessed to your tax account for each bad check received, in addition to any other fees and interest applicable. You will be required to make payment by cash, certified check, or money order within 10 days.

All parents must pick their children up by dismissal time for that particular school, however if they are running late they must call the coordinator of the site. There is a policy for excessive lateness within the program.

If a plate number is reported, it is first checked to determine if it is an active registration. If it is, no action is taken.

If there is no plate on the vehicle or the plate is found either to be expired, attached or revoked with the insurance cancelled, a Parking Control Officer is dispatched to verify the information and evaluate the vehicle on site. If one of the criteria is met, the vehicle is green tagged with a seventy-two (72) hour window for the owner to move the vehicle off the street.

Each day, the towing contractor is supplied a list of all the vehicles that were tagged the previous day. When the seventy-two (72) hour ‘grace' period has expired, the towing contractor visits the location of each green-tagged vehicle. Those that are found to still be on the street are towed to a storage facility where they are held for thirty (30) days, pending possible reclamation by the owner.

95% of what Helpsy collects is reused, upcycled or recycled. We sort our clothing so that we can best extend the useful life of as many items as possible. All of our sorting happens domestically by folks paid living wages. 75% is reused and resold either in bulk or direct to consumers. 20% is recycled into filler, insulation, industrial rags, stuffing, etc. Only the 5% that is wet or oil-stained is thrown away.

If you or your mortgage company have paid the tax bill and for some reason you receive a demand notice for non-payment of the tax due, you must provide proof of payment. Please call us at 508-799-1075 for the requirements.

If you have a plumber, electrician, etc., working on your property it will be necessary for him/her to use a Visitor's Pass if parked in the RPP zone.

Excises are prorated on a monthly basis. If a motor vehicle is registered after the beginning of any calendar year, no excise will be imposed for those months, if any, which have fully elapsed before the vehicle is registered. If a vehicle is registered for any part of a month, however, the excise will be due for all of that month. The annual excise due on a vehicle registered after January 1 will be reduced, therefore, by one-twelfth of the full year’s excise for every month prior to the month in which the vehicle was registered.

The following example illustrates the calculation of the excise due on a vehicle registered after January 1.

Example: A vehicle is registered on March fifth. If that vehicle had been registered for the entire year, the excise due would have been $360.00. Therefore, the amount due should be reduced as follows:

NEED TABLE

Where, as in this example, a vehicle is registered after January first, the Registry performs a proration, automatically, in its calculation of the excise amount due for that calendar year. Therefore, the bill or billing information prepared by the Registry for that vehicle will provide the correct amount due. Local assessors do not have to perform the calculations, themselves.

A registrant who cancels a registration during a calendar year may qualify for a partial abatement. To be eligible, however, such a registrant must also either (a) transfer title to the vehicle or (b) move out of Massachusetts and register the vehicle in some other jurisdiction. For a registrant who so qualifies, the assessors, not the Registry, must calculate the amount of the abatement for which the registrant is eligible. A registrant will never qualify for an abatement on any vehicle for any month during which the vehicle was registered for any portion of that month.

Once the violator appears at the Parking Administration Office and pays the fine and any surcharges added by the Registry, the ‘mark' is removed.

The valuation date for Personal Property is the January 1, prior to the start of the Fiscal Year. If your business is closed after January 1, you are responsible for the bills.

We encourage you to call us at 508-799-1098 to discuss with an assessor. If a difference of opinion still exists, you may appeal your assessment by filing a timely abatement application. Reasons for filing for an abatement may be:

• Overvaluation - The assessed value is too high compared to the actual real estate market.
• Disproportionate Assessment - Property is assessed in excess of assessments of comparable properties.
• Improper Classification - For instance, a property is classified as commercial land when it is actually residential land.
• Statutory Exemption - The property is exempt from taxation based on use.

Users can go to the Anonymous Crime Tips web page. The user then fills in a form and submits it via the Internet. The tip goes through a secure server where, again, the identity of the sender is masked from the detectives receiving the Web tip.

A refund check is issued to a taxpayer who has a credit balance on their bill, provided that they supply the City with the proper information and they have no other outstanding taxes due and payable to the City.

• If the credit was caused by overpayment, a request for refund should be accompanied by a copy of the canceled checks (front and back) for the fiscal year(s) in which the credit(s) exist. If the property has recently been purchased or refinanced, please also include a copy of the HUD Settlement Statement, which lists the details of the taxes paid at the closing. Please include your name, the property address, and the parcel ID with your request and payment information to City Treasurer's Office, Room 203, City Hall, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608.
• If the credit was caused by abatement, the refund will automatically be issued unless the property has changed hands during the fiscal year. When the credit on a Real Estate bill is a result of an abatement, the refund total may include 8% interest. The refund interest is calculated from the abatement date or the due date of the tax (whichever is later), to the issue date of the refund.

The refund will usually be returned to the record owner. If the property has been sold during the fiscal year to a new owner, the date of transfer (deed date) and the information on the HUD Settlement Statement will determine who is eligible for the refund. If you have any questions, please email us.

Please call the Worcester ALB Office at 508-852-8090 as soon as possible. If there is no answer, please leave a voicemail message with a location.

If you feel the market value of your property is inaccurate or does not reflect fair market value, please contact the assessing division and file an abatement application during the month of January each year. The required Abatement Application form and documentation to support your value must be provided to the assessing division during the abatement period. If the office is unable to resolve the matter as to market value, you may file a petition for adjustment with the Appellate Tax Board.

You will receive your property record in the mail in the coming weeks once the Department of Revenue has certified our local assessed values. Your property record will also be available online for you to review at this time. If you believe the information gathered during the inspection and entered into the property record is inaccurate, we encourage you to contact the Assessor’s Office as soon as possible. You can contact us via phone at 508-799-1098 or by scheduling an appointment.

The City, through the Public Works & Parks Department, can grant your guests parking consideration if you are having a wedding, party or other special large event.

Streets not under the Permanent Ban can have a Declared Ban that can go into effect with a forecast of inclement weather. When a Declared Ban goes into effect, parking is typically allowed on only one side of the street. To find out about restrictions on any street, call 311 or visit Worcester 311.

Fire Pipe Service fees are an ANNUAL bill issued to property owners as part of the private fire protection system installed by a property owner. This ANNUAL bill is issued in August/September of each year and covers July 1st through June 30th of each year. These bills are prepaid for fire pipe services. The ANNUAL fee charged is based on the size of the Fire Pipe with every 1" of pipe diameter = $89.00 annual fee.

State Tax Form 2 (PDF Version) is a form listing all personal property assets of an organization for the current fiscal year. Filing a Form of List is required by Mass General laws, statute Chapter 59 Section 38F. Each year, prior to March 1, all persons subject to taxation in a city or town must submit a list of all their personal property, which is not exempt from taxation. These personal estate items must be included on the documentation known as the Form of List. As of January 1, you will be able to print out a Personal Property Form of List. Blank Form of Lists is available at the Assessor's Office. The Form of List is due by March 1st preceding the Fiscal Year. Taxpayers are not required to estimate the value of the property included on the Form of List. The Assessing Division will determine the valuation, based on standard reference tables. In the event that a taxpayer does not submit the list, the assessor will ascertain, as best they can, the personal estate belonging to the taxpayer and will estimate its value. THE FORM OF LIST IS NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC INSPECTION.

Black's Law Dictionary defines a "license" as a permit, granted by an appropriate granted body, generally for a consideration, to a person, firm or corporation to pursue some occupation to carry on some business subject to regulation under the police power. Liquor licenses and permits are revocable privileges granted by the authority of the Commonwealth. Any licensee who violates M.G.L. Chapter 138 or any regulation promulgated by the Commission or the local licensing authority may be stripped of their privilege of holding a license, after a hearing.

The combination of the Map, Block and Lot (MBL) is a unique parcel identifier assigned to each individual property in the City of Worcester. For example, Map 02, Block 024 and Lot 00001 (referred to as MBL 0202400001) uniquely identifies the parcel located at 455 Main Street in Worcester.

A Permanent Ban remains in effect from December 1st through April 30th on Emergency Arteries, WRTA Bus Routes and streets that are critical to the flow of traffic. There is no parking on one or both sides of the street between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. and anytime a snow emergency is declared.

A Residential Permit Parking Program (RPP) is designed to respond to the needs of a neighborhood whose permanent residents have a problem finding legal curbside parking, by giving them preference to the limited number of spaces within their neighborhood.

The object of the RPP program is to prevent non-resident commuters from using residential streets as parking lots during work days. Commuter parking is typically a problem where business, educational and commercial activities take place near residential areas.

Heavy commuter parking in residential neighborhoods increases the risk of injury due to motor vehicle and motor vehicle/pedestrian accidents. Congestion makes it difficult for emergency vehicles to access residential areas. The cumulative effect is to lower the quality of life in residential areas. The Resident Permit Program attempts to relieve some of these problems. While there are positive aspects to resident-only parking, there may be misconceptions as well as shown below.

Positive Aspects of a Permit Program:

• Relieves parking pressures in residential neighborhoods.
• Controls the encroachment of institutional parking in residential areas.
• Enhances the quality of life in the neighborhoods.
• Gives residents preference to limited curb-side parking spaces.
• Eliminates unauthorized long-term (permanently parked) vehicles from designated streets.

Potential Negative Aspects of a Permit Program:

• Can be misperceived by members of the public as "private" or guaranteed parking.
• Residents may mistakenly view RPP as a panacea for the physical shortage of parking spaces.
• Can transfer parking congestion to adjacent roadways.
• Can restrict the number of visitors to an area.
• Can be restrictive to commerce, especially in mixed use neighborhoods.

A Tax Collector's deed auction is a process conducted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 60, Section 43 whereby the City Treasurer offers the lien for the property owner's unpaid real estate taxes at public auction as a means to perfect a tax lien. The City shall make a single sale by public auction for the amount of unpaid taxes, interest and charges.

Massachusetts law requires the Department of Revenue (DOR) to review local assessed values every three years and to certify that they represent full and fair value. A revaluation is the most equitable way to accomplish this. A revaluation includes a complete review and analysis of existing property records and values in accordance with DOR regulations.

A vehicle is considered to be abandoned if it meets both of the following two (2) criteria:

1. It has not moved for seventy-two (72) hours; AND
2. It is "deemed to be abandoned". This includes a vehicle with:
   • no license plates; or
   • an attached license plate (a plate that differs from the one recorded at the Registry of Motor Vehicles for that vehicle); or
   • an expired vehicle registration (NOT an expired inspection sticker!); or
   • a revoked registration with the insurance cancelled.

Additional factors such as flat tires, broken windows or "filled with trash" will signal a problem but one of a) through d) above must apply.

Discrimination is unfair treatment because of an individual's perceived or actual membership in a particular group.

The City's engineers are responsible for reviewing all petitions for Resident Permit zones and to advise the Traffic & Parking Committee of their findings. The following are issues that are examined and that contribute to the engineer's recommendations:

1. Institutional parking effects in the immediate area (colleges, hospitals, manufacturing, etc.).
2. Residential, commercial or mixed use neighborhood.
3. Winter Parking Ban or other parking restrictions within the requested area.
4. Housing density (Single Family, Multi-Family, Apartment complexes, public housing).
5. Parking density is also considered such as available curb-side and/or off-street parking.
6. Presence of public schools or health centers in the immediate area.
7. If it is determined there is a need for a RPP zone, then the configuration of the zone must be determined (24/7, weekdays, evenings, one or both sides of the roadway).
8. Other existing RPP zones in the immediate area.
9. Potential negative effects on commerce in the area must be determined.

The results of the engineer's survey along with a recommendation are submitted to the Traffic & Parking Committee.

Personal property is all tangible property other than real property, including, but not limited to: business equipment, office machinery, inventory, furniture and fixtures not located at the owner's domicile on January 1

The addition of four-way stop control is an inconvenience to all the drivers using the intersection. For this reason, 3 warrants have been developed and are listed in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). A four-way stop installation should only be used when traffic volumes on the intersecting roadways are approximately equal. If volumes are particularly large, a traffic signal may be more appropriate. Investigating the warrants requires an extensive traffic engineering study.

Text messaging is also known as SMS or "short message service." Text messaging is a way to communicate on your mobile phone by sending or receiving plain text messages. To determine if you can send text messages, it is best to contact your wireless provider or refer to your mobile device's manual.

You will not be asked to reveal your identity to the Police in order to provide information about a violent crime and the Police will not be able to trace the text message in any way.

A special computer server will encrypt your message and mask your identity before sending your tip to the Police. This service is truly anonymous.

The WFHP readily accepts walk-ins to Room 101 of City Hall. The Housing Discrimination Intake Worker is also available by telephone at 508-799-8486, or email at humanrights@worcesterma.gov. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have about housing discrimination, tenants’ rights, evictions, or anything housing related. The Intake Worker is always available to have a confidential conversation about any housing issue you may be having. 

The cost of a dog license is $30.00 and $25.00 if the dog is spayed or neutered.

The FY23 sewer rate is $8.65 per hundred cubic feet of usage.

The FY23 water rate is $3.68 per hundred cubic feet of usage.

The cutoff for any Bill Payment Date is midnight EST.

An abatement is a reduction in a real estate valuation based on a correction to the assessed valuation. The only criteria the assessors examine on an abatement application are the accuracy of the property data and the market value of the property.

An exemption is a reduction in a real estate tax based on an individual meeting certain qualifications set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For example, being a disabled war veteran for a veteran’s exemption, or being blind for a blind exemption.

1. The Tobacco Permit Application Fee is $250. All checks are paid through online portal ONLY by electronic checks or using credit/debit card.
2. For applications received after December 31, $50 late fee is applicable.

Talk to your neighbors. Everyone on the street will be affected by RPP. If the consensus is that the RPP is appropriate, contact the City Clerk to obtain a blank Petition Form. Fill in your request and get your neighbors to sign. Mail the petition to the City Clerk. This action will start the process.

1. IRT meetings are held virtually on Thursdays between 2 - 4 p.m. and are ±30 minutes in length.
2. Project representatives are expected to give a brief presentation/description of their proposal, followed by staff review comments.

The minimum motor vehicle assessment which may be made is $5.00. Therefore, if the value of a vehicle produces an excise amount less than $5.00, an assessment of $5.00 must be made.

There is a penalty for failing to file the Form of List pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 59, Section 64. If you do not file a Form of List for the fiscal year, the assessors cannot grant an abatement. If you show a reasonable excuse for filing late, the tax assessed cannot be reduced lower than 150% of the amount that would have been assessed if the list had been timely filed. In that case, only the amount over that percentage can be abated. You can avoid this penalty by filing on time.

1. A petition is submitted to the City Clerk's Office requesting a Resident Permit Parking zone.
2. The petition is acknowledged by the City Council and referred to its Traffic & Parking Committee.
3. City engineers review the petition and prepare a recommendation for the Traffic & Parking Committee (see next section).
4. The petition is posted on a Traffic & Parking Committee agenda and residents of the affected area are invited to the meeting.
5. At the Traffic & Parking hearing, residents and interested parties are allowed to testify.
6. If the Committee votes to approve the RPP zone, their vote is sent to City Council for final approval.
7. After a new ordinance is drafted, a work order is submitted for the RPP zone signs to be installed.
8. Citizens can apply for a permit and/or visitor pass.

Please visit DOR Cigarette and Tobacco Forms and Legal Documents | Mass.gov to access the DOR forms for the smoking bar permit.

An excise in the amount of $25 per thousand is assessed upon the value of the vehicle as determined in accordance with the depreciation schedule. Prior to 1981 the rate was $66 per thousand. With the passage of Proposition 2 1/2 the rate was set at $25 per thousand. The excise is levied for a full calendar year and is assessed by the community where the motor vehicle is customarily garaged. In those instances where vehicles are registered in the Commonwealth but garaged outside of Massachusetts, the Commissioner of Revenue assesses the excise which is paid into the State treasury. M.G.L. Ch. 60A Sec. 1 provides that the owner of any motor vehicle registered for less than a full calendar year will be obligated to pay an excise based on the entire month when the vehicle was registered, as well as the remaining months of the year. For example, a vehicle registered on April 9th will be assessed an excise for the months of April through December.

The information in the Form of List is used by the Board of Assessors to determine the taxable or exempt status of your personal property and, if taxable, its fair market value. You may also be required to provide the assessors with further information about the property in writing and asked to permit them to inspect it. Forms of List are not available to the public for inspection under the public records law. They are available only to the Board of Assessors and Mass. Dept. of Revenue for purposes of administering the tax laws.

The Worcester Consumer Rights Program works in cooperation with Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and it helps with various kinds of consumer complaints and grievances against any business. This is accomplished through mediation effort and outcome. The program The program engages the consumer and business in a productive dialogue and propose ideas and solutions to facilitate amicable resolution to a disagreement.

You may pay your bills:

• In person at City Hall (Treasurer's Office)
• Online via our Online Payments page
• Mail to PO Box 15588, Worcester, MA 01615

Assessments represent 100% of market value as required by Massachusetts General Laws. The assessments for Fiscal Year 2018 present the estimate of market value as of January 1, 2017.

No mobile phone information is collected by the Worcester Police Department as part of this program. Your text-a-tip is completely anonymous to the Worcester Police Department and is only identifiable via a four-digit tip code that will be provided to you. Any information you submit is directed to the WPD Detective Bureau, who will disseminate the information to the appropriate WPD investigative officers.

Tools employed by a plumber, carpenter, auto mechanic and other trade professionals are exempt from the personal property tax. In legal terms, this exemption covers "tools of trade" of a "mechanic" (e.g., small tools that can fit in a tool box). Boats, fishing gear and nets - up to $10,000 in value - owned and used in a commercial fishing business are exempt. Tools of other professionals not listed are considered taxable. These include dentist's drills and x-ray machines. Computers are also subject to the personal property tax, but in cases where they are utilized by a corporation for internal purposes only (e.g. for such functions as internal accounting or administrative operations), computers are not subject to taxation. Tangible personal property subject to some other type of local tax is also exempt from the personal property tax. Motor vehicle and trailer excise, ship and boat excise, the farm animal and equipment excise, and mobile home park license fees are all included in this category. Intangible personal property is exempt from the personal property tax. Intangible property includes stocks, bonds and cash, mortgages and other evidence of ownership of property rights.

For Individuals, Sole Proprietors, Partnerships, Associations, Trusts, Limited Liability Companies filing as Partnerships, and Out-of-State Insurance Companies not having a reciprocal exemption agreement with Massachusetts:

Individuals are entitled to an exemption for (1) household furniture and effects at the place of their domicile, (2) farm utensils and (3) tools of a mechanic's trade.

Tangible personal property that is taxable includes: Poles, underground conduits, wires, pipes, machinery, tools & equipment, business furniture and fixtures, merchandise, unregistered motor vehicles and trailers, animals, and forest products.

For Massachusetts Business and Out-of-State Business Corporations, Limited Liability Companies (filing federally as corporations) and Mutual Insurance Holding Companies:

Tangible personal property that is taxable includes poles, underground conduits, wires, and pipes. All machinery used in the conduct of business" is taxable except machines that are: (1) stock in trade, (2) used directly in dry cleaning or laundering processes, to refrigerate goods or to air condition premises, or (3) used directly in purchasing, selling, accounting or administrative functions.

For Massachusetts and Out-of-State Manufacturing Corporations and Limited Liability Companies (filing federally as corporations which have been classified as "manufacturing" by the Department of Revenue):

Tangible personal property that is taxable includes poles, underground conduits, wires, and pipes. All tangible personal property used in the manufacture or generation of electricity except property that (1) is a cogeneration facility of 30 megawatts or less in capacity, or (2) was exempt because of a manufacturing classification effective on or before January 1, 1996.

For All Other Massachusetts Corporations subject to taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 63 including: Financial Institutions, Insurance Companies, Savings and Cooperative Banks, Utility Corporations, Out-of-State Public Service Corporations subject to taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 63, Section 58 and Out-of-State Insurance Companies if the state of incorporation exempts similar tangible personal property of Massachusetts insurance companies:

Tangible personal property that is taxable includes poles, underground conduits, wires, pipes and machinery used in the manufacture, or in supplying, or distributing water.

In general, all tangible personal property situated in Massachusetts and all tangible personal property owned by Massachusetts domiciliaries is taxable unless expressly exempt. There are many exemptions, which are usually based on (1) ownership, (2) type of property, or (3) use of property.

To be eligible for a motor vehicle excise exemption, a veteran must, as documented by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, have actually lost, or have the permanent loss of use of, at least one foot or hand, or have permanent legal blindness in at least one eye, due to his or her military service. A veteran who does not have one of those specific disabilities can also qualify for an excise exemption if the RMV's Medical Advisory Board (MAB) has determined the veteran is permanently disabled due to his or her military service. MGL c. 60A, sec. 1.

Until recently, RMV policy and practice was for the MAB to make the necessary determination of a permanent service-connected disability when a veteran applied for and was issued a disabled veteran (DV) plate. The veteran did not receive a letter or other notice that the MAB had made the required determination. Therefore, as a practical matter, the veteran had to have been issued a DV plate in order to establish he or she qualified for this exemption.

Now, the MAB will issue a letter that states it has determined that the individual is a veteran who has a permanent service-connected disability and is eligible for a DV plate. The veteran may then choose whether to be issued the DV plate. As a result of this change in procedure, a veteran will now be able to establish eligibility for the motor vehicle excise exemption by (1) providing the assessors with a copy of the MAB determination of permanent service-connected disability or (2) having been issued a DV plate. For more information, see Bulletin 2015-01B.

Medical Advisory Board

1-857-368-8020

If you are an Adult-only Retail Tobacco Permit Holder and own/co-own/rent a liquor store or general retail store next door, each store requires a separate entrance and must be separated by a wall from the inside.

• Learn as much as you can about the board you are applying.
• Consider attending one of the monthly meetings of the board you want to join.
• Review the minutes and recordings of past meetings (available on our website).

Should your establishment discontinue selling tobacco products or close, WDPH must be notified in writing to Zach Dyer, Acting Director, 25 Meade Street, Office 200, Worcester, MA 01610.

If you chose to receive a confirmation of your transaction by email from a qualifying payment partner verifying the approval and acceptance of the transaction and didn't receive one, then please ensure the message has not been stopped by a SPAM blocker or is in a "Junk" mailbox.

Please call the toll-free Public Outreach Hotline as soon as possible. The numbers are 1-866-702-9938 or 508-852-8090.

In most cases, if the deed has been recorded at least 6 weeks prior to the issue date of the tax bill, the new owner will also receive a copy of the tax bill. If you receive a bill within 6 weeks of the sale, please forward it to the new owner immediately as it is his/her responsibility to make payment. (M.G.L. Chapter 60, Section 3)

You should request a duplicate tax bill via email or by calling the Treasurer's Office at 508-799-1075 to request the form.

The City Manager makes the decision about who to appoint. As soon as a decision is made, you will be contacted and asked to meet with the City Manager. If you are selected, you will be asked to attend a meeting of the City Council where you will be introduced.

The members of the CAC are volunteers and citizens of Worcester. Most of them have been through the interview process that you are going through. They understand how it feels to go through the process and sincerely try to put you at ease during the interview.

The CAC members will have your application and resume and/or letter of interest prior to the meeting. When your name is called, you will be asked to join them at the table and talk about your interest in the position. They may or may not ask you follow-up questions.

When you finish addressing the board, the CAC must vote on whether or not to forward your application to the City Manager for further review. You must receive a majority of affirmative votes in order to move forward in the process.

• A YES vote: You receive a majority of affirmative votes: You will receive a call from the City Manager's Office to schedule an interview with a representative of the City Manager and the City Employee that serves as the Staff Liaison to the board/commission.
• A NO vote: You may not have received enough votes this time. Please don't give up. Stay engaged and apply again! There are a number of reasons you may not get selected. It could be due to the particular needs of the board at that time. It could be that there are a large number of applicants. Please know that it is normal to apply more than once.

MA DOR and City of Worcester permits are not transferrable between persons or addresses. A new permit application needs to be submitted for a change in owner or change in address.

In this case, you are required to apply for two separate City of Worcester Tobacco Permits.

In case of change of address, you will need to apply for a new tobacco permit application.

Pay station payment options include Coins, AMEX, Discover, MasterCard and Visa. You can also park and pay by phone using the Passport Parking App.

Online payments may be made using checking account information (Electronic Funds Transfer) or credit cards. Available payment options vary among services and our online payment partners. Clicking the payment of choice will display the available options and any associated service fees.

The WPD wants information on every type of crime, not just those covered in the media. The text tip line is not traced, and we are not interested in the user's identity. We believe these new anonymous forms of providing tips to the Police offer a way for callers to rid their neighborhoods of crime SAFELY.

The excise is based on the value of the motor vehicle as determined by the Commissioner of Revenue upon certain percentages of the manufacturer's list price in the year of manufacture. The excise valuation is not based on the actual purchase price or "book value" of the vehicle. The percentages set forth in the statutory depreciation schedule that are applied to manufacturer's list price are as follows:

• In the year preceding the designated year of manufacture 50%
• In the year of manufacture 90%
• In the second year 60%
• In the third year 40%
• In the fourth year 25%
• In the fifth and succeeding years 10%

Forms of List must be filed by March 1 with the Assessing Division in the city where the personal property is situated on January 1. The principal exception is in situations where personal property has only a temporary location as of January 1, then it must be listed on a Form of List filed with the assessors in the city or town where the owner is domiciled (legal residence or place of business). A Form of List is not considered filed unless it is complete.

On-street parking payment is enforced from 8 a.m., to 8 p.m. Monday - Saturday. Parking on Sunday and holidays are free of charge. In the Canal District, enforcement is in effect until 9:00 p.m. and two hour time limits will be enforced on Sundays.

Tax bills are mailed four times a year. The quarterly tax payments are due on the following dates: August 1st; November 1st; February 1st; May 1st.

The bills are sent thirty (30) days prior to these due dates. Payments are due thirty days from the date the tax bill is issued.

You may submit a tip anytime, anywhere, 24/7.

City Council meetings air live on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m., or on special dates when scheduled, and replay Saturdays at 7 p.m.

The application for abatement must be filed (received by the Assessor) no later than thirty (30) days after the date on which the "actual" tax bill was issued. January 1st of each year is the scheduled issuance date of the "actual" tax bill.

However, you should ask yourself three questions before filing for an abatement:

• Is the data on my property correct?
• Is my value in line with others on my street?
• Is my value in line with recent sale prices in my neighborhood of properties that are sold in the calendar year 2021 (the Fiscal Year 2023 Assessed Value represents the real estate market as of January 1, 2022)?

The Assessing staff will be happy to assist you to determine whether your assessment is fair and equitable.

The Standing Committee meetings are televised live when they are scheduled and replay Friday nights at 9 p.m. in the order they occurred during the week.

The currently scheduled Citizens' Academy is full. Future dates will be announced as they become available. The Citizens' Academy is a group of Worcester citizens who are interested in learning more about how their police department operates and the policing challenges our city faces. Participants in each session commit to meeting for three hours one night per week, for ten weeks, to learn about each aspect of the department.

The written exam dates can be found on the Civil Service exam site. Applications are only available online. When registering for the written exam you must also register for the ELPAT. You will receive an email from Civil Service instructing you how to schedule your ELPAT.

• Examination Schedule

It does not matter if you take the ELPAT before or after the written exam. However, failure to take and pass the ELPAT will result in a failing score.

Upcoming Firearms Basic Safety Course dates can be found in the WPD Calendar. The cost for the residents of the City of Worcester is $20 and $35 for non residents (non-refundable). You must register prior to the course at the Worcester Police Department License Bureau. Hours for registration are 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Additional questions can be directed to the License Bureau at 508-799-8648.

None scheduled at this time. However, at no time do the Worcester Police auction marked/unmarked cruisers, seized vehicles or motorcycles.

Please leave clothing outside by 7 a.m.

Complete and submit an application anytime so that you're notified of future vacancies! If you have an application on file, you will receive email notification of vacancies as they occur. Reply to the email indicating which board you wish to apply and which CAC selection meeting you will attend.

For an application and more information, visit the links above or contact:

Jeannie Michelson, Sr. Staff Assistant
Phone: 508-799-1175
Fax: 508-799-1208
Email

The Commissioner of Revenue determines triennially whether assessed values in the City represent full and fair cash valuation for each class of real and personal property. The City cannot implement the levy allocation provisions of the Classification Act unless the Commissioner has certified that local assessments reflect full and fair cash value. When the assessments are completed, the Assessor submits a request for certification review to the Department of Revenue (DOR). The Bureau of Local Assessment within the DOR conducts a statistical analysis and performs a preliminary field review. If all of the standards have been met, the Bureau notifies the City of preliminary certification.

If you are a Worcester resident, you can dispose of tree limbs at 1065 Millbury Street from April through November. This is the only site that accepts large branches and loose brush as follows:

• The large branch and loose brush drop-off service is only available during regular drop-off days and times.
• Maximum size of limbs is eight (8) inches in diameter and eight (8) feet in length.
• Loose (untied or un-baled) brush can be dropped off at this site; however, loads MUST be secured and/or covered while transporting loose materials to the drop-off site. NO tree stumps will be accepted.

1. Cigar & Flavored Tobacco Products Regulations
2. Sale of Tobacco Products Regulations
3. Tobacco Control Ordinance

1. Print Tobacco-Related Signage

Winter sand is free and available to residents using hand buckets only. It can be picked up at three sites; at the DPW&P Yard on Clark Street near the intersection of East Mountain Street, Albany Street outside the salt shed yard and at the Millbury Street Drop-Off Center next to the VFW Post. Salt is not available.

You can file an application with the Assessor's Main Office in Room 209, City Hall, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608. The abatement period is set by Massachusetts General Laws, as 30 days from the mailing of the Third Quarter actual tax bill, usually January 2 through February 2 each year.

The ABA routing number is located on the bottom-left hand portion of your checks. Do not use a deposit slip to verify the number because it may contain your Financial Institution's internal routing numbers. Please note that not all Online Payments may be processed by EFT. See the example below for a correct checking routing number.

The Worcester Police Department no longer has copies to hand out. These forms must be printed through the RMV Website.

Speeding ticket payments are handled through the Registry of Motor Vehicles, NOT the Worcester Police Department.

Parking ticket appeals are handled through Parking Administration, City Hall Room 203, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may call 508-799-1069 or File an Appeal Online.

The Senior Center is located on Vernon Hill with plenty of free parking at 128 Providence Street. WRTA bus #1 and #11 stop at the Senior Center; WRTA also provides curb-to-curb ADA transportation. For information on bus routes, ADA transportation and travel training, please call the WRTA at 508-453-3462. For assistance with your application for ADA transportation or to find out about reduced fares to and from the Worcester Senior Center, call 508-799-1232.

Please leave bags of clothing by your front door, on your porch or near your mailbox or driveway. If a different location is needed, please use the "special instructions" section on the pickup request form to indicate the location.

Please send your payment and remittance slip to:

City of Worcester
PO Box 15602
Worcester, MA 01615-0602

Please make checks payable to: City of Worcester. If you do not have a remittance slip, for proper crediting, please write the parcel ID (Map, Block, Lot) on the check and include the property location and owner's name. To obtain a receipt, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and both portions of the bill with the payment.

The City will hear petitions for the RPP Program for any City street that is designated as a PUBLIC street and is residential in nature.

City streets that are designated as PRIVATE, developer streets, alleys, driveways, etc. are not eligible. Commercial and mixed use streets are also not eligible.

• Belsito's 508-754-2300
• Boulevard 508-755-2632
• David's 508-753-5263
• DiRenzo's 508-757-4494
• Early's 508-753-1123
• McFee's 508-753-9016

Legally, Animal Control may only respond to situations involving sick or injured wildlife. For that reason, it's best to contact the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) during normal business hours (508-389-6300) or the Massachusetts Environmental Police radio dispatch during weeknights, weekends and holidays (1-800-632-8075). You can also look up information on common wildlife and ways to prevent conflicts by going to the MassWildlife Living with Wildlife Fact Sheets.

Report this to Worcester 311 at 311 as soon as possible.

Please call the WIN office number at 508-799-8610.

Sergeant Kerry Hazelhurst is the WPD Public Information Officer. Questions can be directed to 508-799-8611.

Any City resident who resides within a designated Resident Permit Parking zone is eligible. The resident must show proof of residence at that location. The resident must show proof that the vehicle is registered at that location.

Anyone who feels that their personal property is overvalued or exempt may file for abatement. You must file an abatement form at the Assessor's Office between January 1 and February 1 of the current tax year. Only the current tax year is eligible for abatement or exemption. Please visit the Assessor's web page to download the necessary form.

We ask that residents help out by keeping the hydrants in front of your property clear of snow.

Although the tax bill will bear the name of the assessed owner as of January 1, the new owner is responsible for all taxes once the sale of the property is finalized. The amount of tax owed by the old owner is determined at the time of closing and is typically deducted from the selling price. Once this deduction is made, the new owner must pay all bills, as they become due in order to avoid collection actions, including foreclosure. The lawyers assisting each party should already have investigated any outstanding taxes and obtained a Municipal Lien Certificate. Once the agreement is made, the new owner is obligated to pay any outstanding taxes due on the property.

The local licensing authority in the city of town where the business is located after the completion of a 3-step process. Step one: the local licensing authority grants a restaurant or package store license; Step two: the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (A.B.C.C.) approves the granting of such a license. Following this approval by the A.B.C.C., Step three: the local licensing authority may issue upon payment of the licensing fee.

This form must be filed each year by all individuals, partnerships, associations, trusts and corporations that own or hold taxable personal property on January 1, except telephone and telegraph companies and owners of pipelines that are required to file a personal property return with the Mass. Dept. of Revenue.

Literary, temperance, benevolent, charitable or scientific organizations that may be entitled to an exemption must file State Tax Form 3 ABC listing all property they own or hold for those purposes on January 1.

Individuals, Partnerships, Associations, Trusts, and Limited Liability Companies (LLC) filing federally as partnerships, disregarded entities (except LLC or other entity electing to be treated federally as disregarded entity with S corporation as its sole member) and other non-corporate entities.

Massachusetts Business and Out-of-State Business Corporations as defined in the M.G.L. Chapter 63, Section 30, including Limited Liability Companies filing federally as corporations, or electing to be treated federally as disregarded entities having S corporations as their sole members; and Mutual Insurance Holding Companies.

Massachusetts and Out-of-State Manufacturing Corporations and Limited Liability Companies filing federally as corporations, or electing to be treated federally as disregarded entities having S corporations as their sole members, that have been classified as "manufacturing" by the Department of Revenue.

All other Massachusetts Corporations subject to taxation under G.L. Ch. 63, including financial institutions, insurance companies, savings and cooperative banks and utility corporations and all other Out-of-State Corporations subject to taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 63, Sections 20, 23, 52A & 58 and insurance companies if state of incorporation (or principal place of business if incorporated in foreign country) exempts similar tangible personal property of Massachusetts insurance companies. See Acts of 1941, Chapter 467.

All other Out-of-State Insurance Companies.

Please call 508-799-8531 or email health@worcesterma.gov to report any complaints related to smoking in the workplace.

Vianna Mercedes, Coordinator 508-799-1328.

Plastic bags are particularly problematic for the sorting machines at the recycling facility. Plastic bags get tangled in the machinery and can also be hazardous for workers to extract from the machines.

Residents were provided with a new green recycling bin that is larger than the previous one and has a cover to minimize litter that results from materials being blown out.

Commercial Loading Zones are for commercial registered vehicles only. Only vehicles with a commercial registration may park in this zone and are given a 30 minute time limit for loading/unloading.

The excise on any particular vehicle is to be assessed at the place where that vehicle is principally kept, i.e., garaged. The relevant statute, Ch. 60A §6, provides:

“The excise...shall be laid and collected at the residential address of the owner, if an individual, or at the principal place of business in the commonwealth, if a partnership, voluntary association or corporation, as determined by the owner’s registration, except that if a motor vehicle...is customarily kept in some other municipality, the excise shall be laid and collected in such other municipality.”

This statute was drafted with a presumption that any particular motor vehicle is kept for excise purposes at the residence or principal business address of its owner. On the basis of this presumption, the statute sets out two alternatives. It instructs that the excise for the vehicle is to be imposed and collected by the city or town where its owner (a) if an individual, lives, or (b) if a partnership, voluntary association or corporation, maintains its principal place of business unless the motor vehicle is customarily kept in some other city or town.

It is only when the Registry is specifically notified that a vehicle is principally kept in some other municipality that the Registry will include the excise for that vehicle in the commitment for the other municipality. Otherwise, the excise will be included in the commitment of the municipality where the individual lives or the principal place of business is located.

The place where a motor vehicle is principally kept is not identified on the registration certificate for that vehicle. However, that place is identified on the registrant's insurance coverage selection sheet. Therefore, where an issue arises concerning the place of garaging, the assessors should request a copy of this insurance document.

If you do not receive a Confirmation Number after processing your transaction, you may have been trying to use an unacceptable form of payment, you were using an unsupported browser or your transaction was not accepted for a different reason. Please check to ensure that your payment type is accepted.

You water bill is based on consumption. The reading is calculated in units and is shown on your bill under the usage block (left hand side of bill). Units are calculated in 100 cubic feet (CCF) and the amount of the units used fluctuates as a result of a number of things. Many customers increase their water consumption in the summer months by watering gardens, washing cars, filling swimming pools, etc. Bills may also fluctuate based on the number of days in a billing period. Quarterly bills can on occasion be over or under 90 days depending upon the day your meter was read.

Plows are fixed and angled to the right so when plowing, snow may end up on the driveway that you just shoveled. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes but plow blades cannot be lifted as they pass by a driveway. You may wish to clear your driveway several times during the storm or wait until the storm and plowing operations have ended.

Bills are estimated when we are not able to get an actual meter reading. Actual meter readings are obtained using an automated meter reading (AMR) drive-by system. If the meter interface unit (MIU) is not functioning, you will receive an estimated bill based on past usage. If you receive an estimated bill, please contact Worcester 311 at 311 to have a work order created to schedule meter repair. This is done at no cost to you.

Bills change according to water usage that fluctuates from month to month. A drastic increase in consumption could be an indication of a leak. If you suspect a leak or received a "high consumption notification," you should check all plumbing for leaks. If you cannot find a leak, contact the Water Billing Office at 508-799-1440 and we will be happy to set you up with a free home inspection.

Sewer charges are higher than water costs for many reasons. There are differences in installing and maintaining water distribution versus sewer collection systems. The cost and complexity of treating wastewater has increased more dramatically over the years than the cost of producing drinking water.

For your safety, you should always delete all text messages to and from "CRIMES" (27463) from your in box and your out box.

Note: The program is available on most, but not all major wireless carriers; therefore we cannot guarantee this program will work for all participants. Although the program is complimentary to participants, standard text messaging rates may apply. Check with your carrier and wireless plan for details.

Under state law, failure to receive a bill does not affect the validity of the tax or any interest or fines incurred due to late payment(s). It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to secure his/her tax bill when one is not received. You can request a duplicate tax bill via email or by calling the Treasurer's Office at 508-799-1075 to request the form. The Treasurer's Office will mail you a remittance slip on request. However, the request must be received early enough to allow sufficient time to avoid late charges.

Recycling that includes contaminated material will not be collected at the curb as of Oct. 1, 2022. In addition, recycling left in a plastic bag at the curb will not be collected - recycling must be placed in City provided green bins or a plastic bin of your own.

The Spring Street Sweeping program uses different equipment than the Fall Leaf Collection program. The equipment used in the spring does not have the capability to collect branches or leaves. Residents may bring yard waste to the City's Yard Waste Drop-Off Sites.

There will be food provided to every participant.

Yes. The City of Worcester, MA will continue to send a paper bill via US Mail. This service simply provides a convenient, efficient, and user-friendly way to pay your bill 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

Yes. Failure to obey parking signs may result in a ticket or tow.

The RPP is not intended to keep neighbors from parking on your street or parking in "your" parking space. It also does not eliminate the need to have a winter parking ban (No Parking on one side) on your street.

One of the multiway stop control warrants is crash related. If an intersection meets this requirement and it has approximately equal approach volumes, a multiway stop control installation may be warranted for safety purposes. However, the overall results of the traffic engineering study and the professional judgment of the engineer should also be considered. In fact, research has shown that under certain conditions other traffic control measures may be more effective and safer than the addition of a multiway stop sign. A study conducted by the City of Irvine, California, indicated that simply improving intersection visibility can sometimes be a successful approach to crash reduction at intersections.