SPRINGFIELD — An audit of Springfield’s payment in lieu of tax system shows there is no formal policy to collect money from the city’s many nonprofit agencies, and the few agreements that do exist are inconsistent.
“Without a structured approach, the city may be foregoing revenues. There is also a lack of transparency,” said Yong No, city auditor.
As part of its efforts to boost revenue by pushing tax-exempt entities to contribute, the City Council asked for an audit of the program. Results show that tax-exempt groups own a collective $4.8 billion in property, with 40%, or $1.9 billion, owned by the city; the latter includes schools, parks and fire stations, he said.
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