Malden council sets residential factor at 0.9054, adopts 35% residential exemption

The Malden City Council unanimously voted to set a 0.9054 residential factor and adopt a 35% residential exemption during its regularly scheduled meeting.

Councilor O'Malley moved to "set a 0.9054 residential factor and to adopt a residential exemption of 35%," a motion seconded by Councilor Cica. Clerk called the roll and the measure passed unanimously by recorded voice and roll call. Council President Linehan announced the motion "passes unanimously."

Supporters said the change targets owner-occupied households. Councilor Spadafore told colleagues the adjustment would "focus on our community and the people that are owner occupied," and argued the modification would reduce tax bills for homeowners. Councilor Taylor said lowering the tax rate could "open a pathway to more home ownership" and help hold absentee landlords accountable for housing conditions. Councilor McDonald and others also voiced support, citing direct relief to homeowners as the primary benefit.

Opponents did not mount a sustained floor challenge during the meeting; the vote was recorded without a formal minority report. Councilors and staff acknowledged a potential trade-off: some landlords might raise rents, which could affect renters indirectly, but proponents said the direct tax reduction to homeowner households was a central objective.

The motion was made as part of the tax-rate-setting packet and will be applied in the city's upcoming property tax billing cycle according to municipal procedures. The council did not attach additional implementing language or specify outreach steps during the meeting; councilors encouraged public information on eligibility for the exemption.

Tally: roll-call recorded 11 yes, 0 no.

The council moved on to other business after the vote.