WESTBOROUGH — The town will continue to maintain a single tax rate.
During its Nov. 22 tax classification hearing, the Select Board decided on a 4-1 vote to set the tax rate of $16.84 per thousand, a decrease of $1.65 from last year’s rate.
Because of increased residential values, the average single-family home would pay $11,059 in property taxes, an increase of $731 over last year.
The board also voted against a residential exemption and small commercial exemption.
Chief Assessor Jonathan Steinberg presented several options on how much a split rate would cost on the residential and commercial/industrial sides.
While a split rate would provide some tax relief on the residential side, Steinberg said a hike in commercial taxes could inhibit growth. Also, commercial property owners would pass on extra costs to their tenants.
The board, and most of those who spoke at the meeting, were in favor of the single rate.
“I strongly advocate” a single tax rate, said Karen Chapman of the Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The last thing [local businesses] need is another increase.”
“A single tax rate is important to maintain for small businesses,” said Select Board member Sean Kehoe.
Some of those who spoke at the hearing said they were concerned that rising taxes were forcing residents to move out of town.
Although he was happy that the tax hike was not as high as previously discussed, resident Wilfred Savoy still called the increase “exorbitant” and pointed out that the recently passed Community Preservation Act would add even more to the tax bill.
