WESTBOROUGH – The average single-family household’s tax bill is projected to be $12,314 in fiscal 2025, which is an increase of approximately 5.43% from the previous average bill of $11,680.
Town staff attributed the increase to a rise in property values with the value of the average single-family home increasing from $711,740 to $755,913.
The Select Board voted to approve an estimated single tax rate of $16.29 per thousand during its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The board also voted against any residential or commercial exemption. The rate is 12 cents lower than the $16.41 per thousand rate for fiscal 2024.
Finance Director Jonathan Steinberg touted the town’s new growth from residential and commercial properties, including Amazon and Del Webb.
“Most communities would kill for $3.1 million in new growth,” he said.
Amazon is the town’s top taxpayer at $4.344 million. Astellas ($1.831 million) and Cumberland Farms ($884,815) also made the top 10, along with residential apartment complexes such as Park Village ($683,993).
“The residential apartments have big value,” said Steinberg.
Steinberg added that unlike other communities, Westborough is “not in an override situation.”
Following a discussion on possible scenarios for residential and commercial exemptions, the floor was open for public comment.
Economic Development Committee member Sandra Coker recommended a single tax rate, as did Karen Chapman of the Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of MetroWest.
Coker said the single rate “keeps up competitive” with other communities, and “we don’t have to offer TIFs [Tax Increment Financing].”
“A single rate is a positive tool to attract businesses,” said Chapman.
Resident Wilfred Savoy said he supports a split rate, citing rising costs and “the financial burden” being carried by residents. He said he would like businesses to pay more in taxes.
Board members sided with the single rate, but acknowledged the town’s need to control spending.
“We need to look at spending,” said board member Shelby Marshall. “We need to look at level funding, spending cuts.”
