WESTBOROUGH – Another big property tax increase may be on the horizon.
The proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year was released on Friday, Dec. 20, and it shows an estimated tax increase for the average single-family home of $990.
The reason remains the same as that of the previous few years — increased residential property values.
“This budget estimates a continued increase in the average single-family value as the broader market continues to reflect low supply and high demand in Westborough,” according to the town’s budget summary for the 2026 fiscal year.
The value for the average single-family home jumped from $755,913 in fiscal 2025 to $801,268 in fiscal 2026 — an increase of about 8 percent.
With the tax rate set at $16.60 per thousand, the average single-family tax bill is estimated to increase from $12,313.82 to $13,304.30.
Property taxes comprise the town’s largest source of revenue; for 2026, the town estimates an increase in property tax revenues of approximately $8.3 million; an increase in local receipts of $510,000; and a projected state aid increase of $211,455, though this may be revised once Gov. Maura Healey releases her budget in late January.
The town is proposing to use $450,000 in free cash to lower the tax rate.
Final property values will not be determined until the fall of 2025.
A first look at the fiscal 2026 budget
The estimated municipal budget for the 2026 fiscal year is $145,245,334 — an increase of 6.43% from the 2025 fiscal year.
This includes $929,814 increases in salary and wages — a 2.5% increase for nonunion staff; and a 2% wage adjustment for positions within the police patrol, police supervisors, public works and clerical unions.
There are several other factors that may impact the budget.
The town is currently working to complete the design of Phase 1 of the Community Center project to renovate the lower level for occupancy by the senior center. The project has been put on hold to allow temporary use of the space by the Westborough Public Library during its renovation project (should funds be approved at Town Meeting).
Cost estimates for Phase 1 of the project will be presented in January, and the Select Board will determine next steps.
The second floor is being used by the Westborough Recreation Department. Estimated operating costs for fiscal 2026 will include a custodian ($60,849); program coordinator ($67,573); program and volunteer coordinator for the Council on Aging ($11,895); building and common area maintenance ($186,804); fuel and gas ($41,874); electricity ($129,483); and estimated debt service ($738,750).
A final estimate to repair the Westborough Public Library will come before Annual Town Meeting in March. Current estimates are between $13 million and $14 million.
The fiscal 2026 budget includes the newly-titled senior and social services director, replacing the former position of senior center executive director with increased responsibility to oversee the Youth and Family Services Clinical contract; supervise the YFS outreach and resource coordinator; and coordinate further with the Veterans District.
The salary listed for fiscal 2026 is $117,972.
One of the bigger drivers in the past few budgets, the 2026 fiscal year factors an increase of 2.5% for electricity.
This may change; the town is currently under contract through MunEnergy and the contract will expire in December 2025, or midway through fiscal 2026. The town is working with MunEnergy to estimate costs; the town is also monitoring the electrical market to determine the timing of executing a subsequent contract.
The fiscal 2026 budget for the Westborough Fire Department is estimated to increase by 6.45% overall, including a 6.28% increase in salaries/ wages and a 8.52% increase in expenses.
On the expense side, the fire department wants to purchase medical equipment for all ambulances, fire apparatus and police vehicles. There is also a contractual obligation to increase the clothing allowance (for fiscal 2026, it’s $70,360).
Other possible factors are school-related.
The proposed Westborough Public Schools budget for fiscal 2026 is $70,864,789, or 5.77% more than in fiscal 2025. The main factors behind the increase — salaries and wages; out-of-district tuition for special education; and utilities. The schools comprise 46.23% of the town’s budget.
Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School’s estimated assessment for Westborough for fiscal 2026 is $1,471,747 — $1,357,314 for the assessment, and $114,433 for non-excluded debt. This is an 8.9% increase over fiscal 2025.
The entire budget is available at https://www.westboroughma.gov/1351/FY2026-Budget-Documents
The annual Budget Summit is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25.
