By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Following a joint Tax Classification public hearing with the Board of Assessors at its Dec. 7 meeting, the City Council voted to set next year’s real estate tax rates at $15.34 for residential homeowners and $25.69 for commercial and industrial property. Final tax rates are subject to Department of Revenue approval.
The hearing determines the percentage of local levy to be imposed on each class of real and personal property, according to the determination of the Board of Assessors.
Anthony C. Arruda, chairman of the Board of Assessors, led the discussion, assisted by Chief Assessor Harald M. Scheid. They said that tax rates are stable because the value of some residential property has increased, with single family homes up four percent, and three-family homes up more than twenty percent.
“Your approval will result in a 0.6 percent increase for the average single family homeowner in the city of Marlborough,” Mayor Arthur Vigeant stated in a communication to the City Council. “Thanks to the strong Marlborough economy and significant private investment in the city, we have been able to keep Marlborough tax bills affordable.”
At the Mayor’s request, Councilors also approved the transfer of $2,044,620 from other city accounts to help establish the tax rate.
Commercial and industrial values vary by property type, assessors said, with smaller retail properties increasing in value by four to six percent. The city’s larger office and industrial properties may result in valuation increases in the 12-15 percent range. An annual Joint Tax Classification Public Hearing with the City Council, Comptroller Brian Doheny and the Board of Assessors is mandatory under Massachusetts General Law.
Susanne Moreale-Leeber, president and CEO of the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce, and Fred Brewitt, an active member of the chamber, spoke in favor of the new tax rate.
“Thank you for setting a tax rate that will continue to attract and retain businesses in the city,” said Leeber.