WESTFORD CENTER — The Select Board voted to maintain a single property tax rate for fiscal year 2027 during its Nov. 10 meeting.
The decision follows a presentation from Town Assessor Steve Clark, who outlined changes in property valuations, the town’s tax levy and potential alternatives to the existing tax structure.
The proposed single tax rate for FY27 is $13.36 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The average single-family home in Westford is assessed at $867,800, resulting in an estimated annual property tax bill of approximately $11,594.
According to Clark, residential property values increased by an average of 1.6%, while commercial property values rose 3.7%. Industrial property values increased 2.5%, and personal property values increased 4%.
Clark said commercial, industrial and personal property valuations collectively outpaced residential growth for the first time during his tenure.
The town also recorded more than $77 million in new assessed property value, generating just over $1 million in additional tax revenue. Approximately 60% of that growth came from residential properties, while the remaining 40% came from commercial, industrial and personal property.
During the presentation, Select Board Vice Chair Sean Kelly questioned why overall property valuations increased more slowly than in previous years.
Clark attributed the slowdown primarily to changes in the housing market, noting that property values had experienced significantly larger increases in earlier years.
“So, we make adjustments based off of the market,” Clark said. “We’re looking at what the market did in 2025, which is a lot slower than previous years.”
The board also considered the possibility of implementing a split tax rate, which would shift a greater portion of the tax burden from residential properties to commercial and industrial properties.
Clark estimated that a 10% tax shift would reduce the annual tax bill for the average single-family home by approximately $121 while increasing the average commercial property’s bill by approximately $1,700.
Members of the town’s tax working group said additional analysis and public engagement would be necessary before recommending changes.
The group, which began meeting in June, plans to continue evaluating tax classification options, including their potential impacts on homeowners and local businesses.
For now, residents may qualify for existing property tax relief programs based on factors including age, income and assets. Westford also offers a qualifying tax deferral program with a 0% interest rate.
Applications for fiscal 2027 property tax exemptions are being accepted through April 1.
Following the discussion, the Select Board voted in favor of maintaining the single tax rate for fiscal 2027.
