The Office of the State Auditor studied this issue in 2020, 19 years after it was last reviewed. The Office found that the Commonwealth shortchanged its cities and towns by an estimated $15.7 million in 2020 alone. The report also showed the regional inequity of the current program. Between Fiscal Year 2019 and 2020, as an example, the State-owned land payment for the Town of Duxbury (Plymouth County) increased by 13.2% while it decreased by 3.2% for the Town of Sheffield (Berkshire County) and decreased by 11.5% for the Town of Warwick (Franklin County). This regional divide is so severe that hosting even more State-owned land might not result in additional PILOT payments. In Fiscal Year 20, 56 municipalities hosted more State-owned land, but 15 of these cities and towns saw lower PILOT payments. Twelve of these cities and towns were located in central and western Massachusetts.

It is critical that our cities and towns can trust our Commonwealth, regardless of where they are located on the map, to ensure regional fairness. The Commonwealth must provide needed financial support to our local governments. As Auditor, I will ensure this issue is fully studied more frequently so voters can make an informed decision in electing their Governor and other statewide leaders. Our staff will conduct spot-checks of PILOT payments to provide ongoing updates and information, and to ensure the legislature has the most up-to-date information to address this issue of regional equity.