Frequently Asked Questions: Master Box / Digitize Box Fire Alarm System Billing

Overview of Changes

The Newton Fire Department is transitioning to a new billing system for municipal fire alarm circuit connections and monitoring services. This change will improve our ability to track connections, process payments, and ensure accurate billing.  This system will also align with several other city invoices that you receive as part of owning property in the City of Newton.

What's Changing?

Q: Why am I receiving a new fire alarm bill?

A: We have migrated to a new billing system that allows for better tracking and collection of fees for municipal fire alarm circuit connections. This system improvement may result in bills being sent to property owners who haven't received them recently due to gaps in our previous tracking system.

Q: How is the new billing system different?

A: The new system bills based on the property's Section-Block-Lot (SBL) number from the City Assessor's records. This means:

• Each property with a municipal fire alarm connection will receive a separate bill based on its SBL
• Previously, bills were generated based on our internal accounting records, which may have missed some properties or grouped them differently
• This change ensures more accurate and consistent billing aligned with property ownership records

Q: Why am I receiving multiple bills when I only received one before?

A: If you own multiple properties, each with its own SBL number and municipal fire alarm connection, you will now receive a separate bill for each property. Previously, these may have been combined or inadvertently omitted.

Billing Addresses and Property Transfers

Q: How did you determine where to send my bill?

A: We are using the billing addresses from our previous system wherever possible. However, we understand that these addresses may not always be current, especially if properties have changed ownership.

Q: I sold this property. Why am I still receiving a bill?

A: Property sales are not always immediately known to the Fire Department. Our records may not reflect recent ownership changes. If you have sold a property and are receiving a bill for it:

1. Complete our Master / Digitize Box Billing Inquiry Form (available below)
2. Provide documentation of the sale as part of that form (closing date, new owner information)
3. We will investigate and redirect the bill to the current property owner

Q: I just bought this property. Why didn't I receive a bill?

A: Due to delays in updating our records with recent property transfers, some new owners may not have received bills promptly. The new SBL-based system is designed to address this issue going forward. If you recently purchased a property with a municipal fire alarm connection and have questions about billing, please contact us or submit a Billing Investigation Form.

Online Payments and Delays

Q: Can I pay my bill online?

A: Yes! The new system includes online payment options for your convenience. Payment instructions and links are included on your bill.

Visit the Treasury Bill Payment Page

Q: Why is my bill dated for a past period?

A: Due to the system migration, we are behind schedule in generating bills which have typically been received in the December/January timeframe.  Newton’s fiscal year is July 1 to June 30^th and we will bill once during that fiscal year period for your firebox fees.  We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work through this transition.

Questions, Disputes, and Reassignments

Q: I believe there's an error on my bill. What should I do?

A: Please complete our Master / Digitize Box Billing Inquiry Form. This form allows you to:

• Dispute charges you believe are incorrect
• Request reassignment of a bill to a new property owner
• Report properties that no longer have municipal fire alarm connections
• Ask questions about your specific billing situation

We will investigate your submission and respond with a resolution.

Q: Where can I find the Billing Investigation Form?

A: The form is available:

• Online at: Box Inquiry Form

Legal Authority for Fees

Q: What gives the Fire Department authority to charge these fees?

A: The City of Newton, acting through the Fire Department, has authority to charge reasonable fees for municipal fire alarm circuit connections and monitoring services under:

• Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 22F (municipal fee authority)
• Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148, Section 10A (fire department permit authority)
• Newton City Ordinances, Chapter 10, Section 10-46 (municipal fire alarm connections)

These fees cover the costs of maintaining the municipal fire alarm system infrastructure, monitoring alarm signals, and responding to alarms transmitted through the system.