Massachusetts § 53J - Reservation of revenues from betterments or special assessments to repay debt issued in connection to such improvements

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 53J — Reservation of revenues from betterments or special assessments to repay debt issued in connection to such improvements, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 53J. Reservation of revenues from betterments or special assessments to repay debt issued in connection to such improvements

Section 53J. Notwithstanding sections 53 and 53F1/2, in any city, town or district that borrows money to pay for improvements for which betterments or special assessments are assessed, revenues from such betterments and assessments, including interest charged thereon, shall be reserved for appropriation for the payment of debt issued in connection with such improvements. Any such revenues received by the treasurer shall be kept separate from all other monies of such city, town or district. Interest earned on the revenues shall remain with and become part of such revenues available for appropriation. No appropriations from the revenues for payments of principal and interest on such debt issue for any fiscal year shall exceed the same percentage of the principal and interest payment due in such year as the percentage of project costs for which the betterments or special assessments are assessed. Any surplus remaining after such debt is repaid shall belong to any enterprise fund established under section 53F1/2 that the improvement for which the betterments or special assessments are assessed is part of, or, if no such enterprise fund is established, to the general fund of such city, town or district.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 53J

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 53J cover?

Section 53J ("Reservation of revenues from betterments or special assessments to repay debt issued in connection to such improvements") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 53J?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 53J" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 53J apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.