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Cambridge council approves tax‑rate split and 30% residential exemption after contentious public comment
Summary
After a public hearing with dozens of speakers, the Cambridge City Council approved the fiscal‑year 2026 tax‑rate classification, adopting a commercial/residential split and a 30% residential exemption; councilors and staff warned of continued pressure on future budgets due to falling commercial values and higher levy needs.
The Cambridge City Council on Oct. 20 adopted the FY2026 tax‑rate classification and related orders after a public hearing that drew business owners and residents opposing a sharp commercial tax‑rate increase. The council approved the tax rate and classification and set a 30% residential exemption for owner‑occupied homes.
What the council voted: The council approved the city manager’s recommended tax rate and the classification orders by roll call. The tax‑rate package passed on a recorded vote: the tax rate itself was approved by a 9‑0 vote. The council adopted an order setting a minimum residential factor (1a) and approved a 30% residential exemption for owner‑occupied homes (1b)…
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