Towns robbed of real estate taxes

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - It's your money and 22News is watching it.

 Millions of dollars are owed to local cities and towns in real estate taxes – money that could help off set steep cuts in local aid.

In the past year, the economic recession has forced Governor Deval Patrick to slash the state budget, which means local aid to cities and towns has also been slashed.

But there are millions of dollars these local governments could be going after in owed in real estate taxes.

Springfield is currently trying to get $29 million in owed real estate taxes.

Greenfield is owed more than $1 million. Click here to see a list of tax evaders in Greenfield.

West Springfield is currently out more than $600,000. Click here to see a list of tax evaders in West Springfield.

Holyoke is waiting for more than $120,000. Click here to see a list of tax evaders in Holyoke.

Chicopee is waiting for property owners to hand over more than $1 million. Click here to see a list of tax evaders in Chicopee.

Area residents told 22News they are upset that these municipalities are cutting important services, instead of going after these tax evaders more aggressively.