Politics & Government
Residential Taxes to Increase
The average single family home will see a $65 increase in their taxes as the City Council voted through a classification that favors lower levels for commercial properties.
City Councilors voted for a tax rate that puts slightly more burden on the residential rather than commercial and industrial properties.
"The only way to lower taxes is to take out your pen at budget time," said Councilor Michael Ossing who explained he felt both residential and commercial taxes were a good level. "A $60 increase in a community that has all the services that Marlborough provides is a pretty good year."
The vote was welcome by the business community.
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“I am very pleased that the split has come closer together.” said Susanne Morreale-Leeber the President of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The business community is here for all of you.”
The commercial and industrial sector will pay 47 percent of levied taxes
taxes with the remaining 53 percent being born by residential property owners. In the previous year, the commercial and industrial properties paid 48 percent of the taxes.
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A uniform tax rate for all properties would be $19.37 per $1,000 valuation.
The tax rates are listed below:
Property Class FY 2013 FY 2012 Residential 15.00 14.8 Commercial 28.46 29.04 Industrial 28.46 29.04 Personal Property 28.46 29.04The shift in taxes will lead to a $65 increase for single family homes, a decrease for condominiums and an increase for apartments.
$4,476 $302,700 $4,541 $65 Condominiums $152,700
$2,260
$142,700 $2,140 - $120 2 Family Homes $215,900 $3,195 $220,000 $3,300 $105 3 Family Homes $219,300 $3,246 $220,100 $3,301 $55 Apartment Buildings $1,741,600 $25,776 $1,828,500 $27,428 $1,652The increase for apartment valuation is a result of the strong rental market, according to the Board of Assessors.
The shift towards more burden on the residential tax base has been undertaken over the last 10 decades to reduce the amount by which taxes have been shifted to the commercial/industrial sector.
“This is in the interest of making Marlborough a more desirable place for developers to locate their businesses,” according to the board of assessors.
The shift was embraced by the councilors, with Councilor Joseph Delano making a request that the shift go even more to a straight split. While the split still slightly favors commercial, it is in line with surrounding communities, said officials.
"We have to bring our taxes down long term if we want to keep growing," said Delano who explained businesses are keenly aware of the tax rates. "We do have to look out for the long-term benefit of the community."
Not all councilors were in favor of putting more of an emphasis on residential taxes. The businesses already have a lot going for them when they move in, said Councilor Mark Oram.
"I cannot support a burden to the residential side," said Oram. "I think it's unfair to our residents."
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